San Antonio Current — May 6, 2022

UNDERWATER WITH AGARITA | SANDLOT BASEBALL RETURNS | TRIUMPH GETS ITS DOCUMENTARY DUE MAY 4 - 17, 2022

HOLE TO NOWHERE Why the wheels are likely to come off of Elon Musk's San Antonio tunnel scheme

sacurrent.com | May 4 – 17, 2022 | CURRENT

3

4

CURRENT | May 4 – 17, 2022 | sacurrent.com

in this issue San Antonio Current

Issue 22-09 /// May 4 – 17, 2022

Dashi excels

Editor-in-Chief: Sanford Nowlin General Manager: Chelsea Bourque

Hot Dish

Editorial

Digital Content Editor: Kelly Nelson Contributing Arts Editor: Bryan Rindfuss Food and Nightlife Writer: Nina Rangel Staff Writer: Michael Karlis Contributors: Abe Asher, Ron Bechtol, Enrique Bonilla, Daniel Conrad, Macks Cook, Brianna Espinoza, Kiko Martinez, Mike McMahan, Dana Nichols, M. Solis, Gary Sweeney Editorial Interns: Ashley Allen

33 Music

Rock & Roll Machine

Ahead of a feature documentary on the band, Triumph’s Mike Levine recalls its big leg up in San Antonio

Marketing and Events

Marketing and Events Director: Cassandra Yardeni Events Manager: Chelsea Bourque Account Manager: Nathan Sokul Senior Account Executive: Mike Valdelamar Marketing and Events Coordinator: Julia Bentley Social Media Manager: Meradith Garcia Social Media Interns: Sarah Camacho, Richard Cavazos, Jazmyne Kearney, Nate Rodriguez

Music Listings

Creative Services

Creative Services Manager: Samantha Serna Production Interns: Pedro Macias, Marlene Mejia, Sydney Pujol

Circulation

Circulation Manager: Justin Giles

Euclid Media Group

Chief Executive Officer: Andrew Zelman Chief Operating Officers: Chris Keating, Michael Wagner VP of Digital Services: Stacy Volhein Director of Agency Services: Mindi Overman Digital Operations Coordinator: Jaime Monzon Vice Presidents of Marketing: Emily Tintera, Cassandra Yardeni www.euclidmediagroup.com National Advertising: Voice Media Group (888) 278-9866, vmgadvertising.com San Antonio Current 915 Dallas San Antonio, Texas 78215 sacurrent.com Editorial: (210) 332-5448 Display Advertising: (210) 332-5448 Classified: (210) 227-CLAS / Fax - (210) 227-7733 The San Antonio Current is published by Euclid Media Group Verified Audit Member San Antonio Distribution – The Current is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader.

Get listed 1. Visit sacurrent.com 2. Click “Calendar” and then “Submit an Event” 3. Follow the steps to submit your event details Please allow 48 hours for review and approval.

Event submissions are not accepted by phone.

Copyright: The entire contents of the San Antonio Current are copyright 2019 by Euclid Media Group LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Publisher does not assume any liability for unsolicited manuscripts, materials, or other content. Any submission must include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All editorial, advertising, and business correspondence should be mailed to the address listed above.

Subscriptions: Additional copies or back issues may be purchased at the Current offices for $1. Six-month domestic subscriptions may be purchased for $75; one-year subscriptions for $125.

canadianPhotographer56 / Shutterstock.com

14 Feature

Hole to Nowhere

Why the wheels are likely to come off of Elon Musk’s San Antonio tunnel scheme

09 News

The Opener News in Brief

Glitter Political

Longtime jurist Peter Sakai remembers where he came from as he vies to serve as Bexar County Judge

CityScrapes

San Antonio’s Grand Hyatt deal and convention center expansions are emblematic of the city’s murky dealings

18 Calendar Calendar Picks

23 Arts

Making a Splash

Agarita joins forces with San Antonio native Nadia Botello for an aquatic concert at Alamo Heights Pool

25 Screens

Drunken Master

Danny Trejo plays a tipsy martial artist in South Texas-rooted superhero flick Green Ghost

26 Food

Field of Dreams

San Antonio’s new sandlot baseball team hopes to improve the mental health of local food workers

Choice Chinese

Whether tackling traditional or modern takes on Sichuan cuisine,

UNDERWATER WITH AGARITA | SANDLOT BASEBALL RETURNS | TRIUMPH GETS ITS DOCUMENTARY DUE MAY 4 - 17, 2022

HOLE TO NOWHERE Why the wheels are likely to come off of Elon Musk's San Antonio tunnel scheme

O

n the Cover: This week’s cover takes a swipe at Boring Co.’s pricy proposal to dig a tunnel connecting SA’s airport with downtown. Cover design: Samantha Serna.

BENEFITING

TICKETS AT

TACOCAPITALOFTHEWORLD.COM

K I N K Y

SANTIAGO JIMENEZ, JR. • LUNA LUNA

E L D U S T Y • F E A • P I Ñ ATA P R O T E S T EL CONJUNTO NUEVA OLA • MARIACHI LAS ALTEÑAS • BOMBASTA + MORE ESTELLA’S MINI TACOS • MI FRIJOLES • TOMATILLOS • BACKWOODS BBQ Y TACOS • MR. MEXIMUM TACO BITE • RESTAURANT DON PABLO • STIXS & STONES • CHELA’S TACOS • HOLY SMOKE BBQ VERA’S BACKYARD BAR-B-QUE • CARNITAS DON RAÚL • PATTY’S TACO HOUSE • WESTEXASTAKOZ O R D E RU P • A L I T T L E TAS T E O F H E AV E N O N A S T I C K • F R A N K I E J ’ S • S A N G R I A O N T H E B U RG PLANTAQUERIA • EL SEÑOR FISH SEAFOOD BAR • PLATO O PLOMO • GUERITO’S RED TACOS • TACO BLVD MI TAQUITO ARANDAS JALISCO + MORE ADDED DAILY!

6

CURRENT | May 4 – 17, 2022 | sacurrent.com

COMMUNITY PARTNER

SPONSORED BY

TRAVIS PARK NOON-11PM ALL-AGES

Whether you need shifts or staff, we’ve got you covered.

Qwick fills 25+ shift types in just hours!

Dishwashers

Line Cooks

Bartenders

on-demand hospitality staffing Event Help

Servers

General Labor

Qwick.com | @QwickShifts sacurrent.com | May 4 – 17, 2022 | CURRENT

7

FULL-SERVICE MARKETING AGENCY. LOCAL ROOTS. NATIONAL REACH.

8

CURRENT | May 4 – 17, 2022 | sacurrent.com

H

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed yet another immigration-related lawsuit against the Biden administration. This time the AG wants to block a plan to let asylum officers rather than judges hear migrants’ claims at the southern border. Part of an administration overhaul of the asylum process for migrants, the plan is projected to slash the time asylum-seekers must wait to get a decision in their case from five years to six months.

H

Longtime San Antonio television journalist Isis Romero is back. The decorated broadcaster is joining CBS affiliate KENS 5 as main anchor for its 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts and is scheduled to make her debut on June 6. Romero has been off television for a year following her surprise termination from KSAT, where she spent a decade and recently won a Lone Star Emmy Award.

H

Gov. Greg Abbott’s latest immigration-related stunt appears to be floundering. After being mocked for using taxpayer money to send largely empty buses of migrants to Washington, D.C., the governor is now asking people to donate to a “Border Transportation Fund” to keep the scheme going. Some migrants who have accepted a trip to the nation’s capital have thanked Abbott for the free ride.

San Antonio brewer Marcus Baskerville, co-founder of Weathered Souls Brewing Co. and creator of the Black is Beautiful fundraising initiative, is launching a new brewery and incubator to help beer producers from marginalized communities jumpstart their careers.

The new site will include programs for women and BIPOC brewers who want to start or expand brewery operations. Those selected will spend a month in North Carolina learning aspects of the trade. — Abe Asher

YOU SAID IT!

“It’s offensive to me that if I use my voice as a Black woman, it gets labeled as creating a ‘disturbance.”

— Valerie Reiffert

San Antonio voting-rights advocate on her removal from a school job fair after asking why the San Antonio Police Officers Association had a table at the event

ASSCLOWN ALERT

Texas Republicans’ Bromance with Elon Musk Assclown Alert is a column of opinion, analysis and snark.

Texas Republicans may have turned the tech industry into a convenient punching bag, but they sure do love Elon Musk, the bro-iest of all tech bros.

Since Musk became Twitter’s owner-in-waiting, members of the Lone Star State’s GOP have engaged in all manner of fellative hyperbole about the billionaire and his motives for snapping up the social media platform.

Sen. Ted Cruz, who seems to spend much of his waking life using Twitter to snipe at celebrities, extolled Musk’s takeover plan as “the biggest development for free speech in decades.” Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert expressed hope that the “days of Orwellian-style censorship of our founding principles and Judeo-Christian ideals are in Twitter’s past.”

Not to be outdone, Gov. Greg Abbott joined the party, urging Musk to uproot Twitter from Silicon Valley. “Bring Twitter to Texas to join Tesla, SpaceX & the Boring company [sic],” he tweeted.

It’s abundantly clear that Musk will let former President Donald Trump rejoin Twitter, something that probably would happen anyway should the reality-show mogul announce another presidential run. It’s also apparent that under Musk’s leadership, Twitter will be a far more combative platform.

However, tech-industry experts say Musk’s

Organizers of the city’s longest-running Pride parade said that they weren’t consulted until late into the process as tourism-promotion organization Visit San Antonio prepares to launch its own LGBTQ+ Pride parade on the San Antonio River. The new event will take place June 18, while the annual Pride Bigger Than Texas will occur the following Saturday. Visit San Antonio maintains it did consult with other organizers early on.

San Antonio city officials last week apologized for denying that a controversial proposal to cut down more than 100 trees at Brackenridge Park was, in part, an attempt to relocate birds that roost in them. Environmentalists have long said that the tree-cutting proposal is an effort to disrupt an egret breeding ground. At a meeting at the Witte Museum, Assistant City Manager David McCary acknowledged that city documents confirmed their belief. “It was our mistake,” he said.

news

That Rocks/That Sucks

Twitter / Elon Musk

takeover is far more motivated by his own ego than any political agenda — plus a belief that he can monetize Twitter in a way its current owners haven’t yet.

Those realities aside, Texas Republicans have never shied away from groveling at the feet of deep-pocketed rich folks that couldn’t give a wet shit about them or the wellbeing of the state’s residents.

Apparently, assclown bromances only need to work one way. — Sanford Nowlin

San Antonio police officers last week approved a new union contract that includes sizable pay raises over the next four years but makes it more difficult for fired officers to return to their jobs. The contract was negotiated after a ballot measure that would have stripped the San Antonio Police Officers Association of its collective bargaining power over longstanding accountability concerns. The agreement will now head to city council for approval. — Abe Asher

Sanford Nowlin

Find more news coverage every day at sacurrent.com

Learn More racialjustice.utsa.edu

MAY 18-19 2022

UTSA DOWNTOWN CAMPUS Buena Vista Building 501 W César E Chávez Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78207

REFUSING TO FORGET Please join us for a community forum centered on statesanctioned violence directed at ethnic Mexicans along the Texas border in the early 20th century and its modern-day legacies.

NEGÁNDOSE A OLVIDAR Únase a nosotros para un foro comunitario centrado en la violencia sancionada por el estado dirigida a los mexicanos étnicos a lo largo de la frontera de Texas a principios del siglo XX y sus legados modernos.

Register on Eventbrite: bit.ly/refusingtoforget 10

CURRENT | May 4 – 17, 2022 | sacurrent.com

@democratizing _racialjustice @utsadrj

news GLITTER POLITICAL

Longtime jurist Peter Sakai remembers where he came from as he vies to serve as Bexar County Judge

BY JADE ESTEBAN ESTRADA

I

t’s a warm Wednesday afternoon as Judge Peter Sakai meets me at San Antonio’s storied Japanese Tea Garden to discuss his run for the Democratic nomination for Bexar County Judge.

“This is sacred ground for me,” he says of the peaceful setting.

Sakai is headed to a May 24 runoff with Texas Rep. Ina Minjarez, who brings a vastly different skill set and public service background. The winner will face GOP nominee Trish DeBerry, a former Precinct 3 county commissioner, in the general election.

When County Judge Nelson Wolff announced his retirement last year, Sakai, 67, stepped down from his district court bench to make his dedication to the race clear to voters. Though this is my first interview with Sakai, his reputation as a district court judge and community advocate precedes him.

“My mom played here as a little girl with the Jingu family,” Sakai says, looking toward the garden’s lily pond.

He tells me about the city’s hiring of Japanese American artist Kimi Eizo Jingu to beautify a limestone quarry during the 1920s by transforming it into the garden before us. However, by 1942, amid a rise of anti-Japanese sentiment sparked by the outbreak of World War II, the city evicted the Jingu family.

“They renamed it the Chinese [Tea] Garden and tried to eliminate that history of what this Japanese American family did,” Sakai says.

He sees a parallel with the discrimination against Muslim Americans in the decades since 9/11 and, in recent years, against transgender children.

“One of my fundamental principles is to make sure we don’t marginalize and we don’t discriminate,” he says. “I know the sting of discrimination. That’s why I care so much about people who are marginalized, disrespected or discrimi-

nated against.”

Sakai is a second-generation American who grew up in the Rio Grande Valley.

“I had to learn Spanish, especially the bad words,” he says with a sly, youthful smile. “My Spanish is very Tex-Mex. As I grew up, my parents did not emphasize Japanese, because they grew up in a time when being American meant speaking English. I was a minority of minorities.”

I ask Sakai what that was like.

“Well, I was teased. I was taunted. I was bullied. I had to learn to be tough at times, and sometimes, maybe not in the most appropriate way, but I had to learn to demand respect.”

I inquire what he learned from the experience.

“At the time, what it taught me was something I had to learn on my own: that I had value, that I was worthy of respect. I had to learn to develop a sense of self-confidence. As a little boy, I was taunted because I had slanted eyes and people would make the slanted-eye gestures.”

He looks at me and says: “The Hispanic community, at times, was very tough on me.”

Despite that, Sakai says he wholly embraces his South Texas roots.

“One of my basic tenets is that you always have to remember where you come from,” he adds.

Few would have imagined the distinguished path he would ultimately follow.

During his 26 consecutive years as a district court judge, Sakai focused on the principles of restorative justice, creating programs such as a family drug court, early childhood court and a college-bound docket that put foster kids in a college pipeline.

However, Sakai says one of his greatest accomplishments on the bench was

Jade Esteban Estrada

how he evolved. It’s an unprompted word Minjarez also used to describe her own growth during my recent interview with her.

“When I first started, I was one of those judges that could be in your face, real tough, and punitive,” he says.

It was his commitment to restorative justice, which focuses on the positive aspects of people, that influenced his present leadership style.

“Going into my senior year of high school, my father took me on a family road trip to California in the old station wagon, and we stopped in the internment camp where he grew up, a God-forsaken place called Poston, Arizona in the middle of the Mojave Desert,” Sakai says. “He stopped and showed us this desert area. ‘This is where I grew up.’ I was struck with, what do you mean ‘grew up?’ This is just a desert. There’s nothing here. No, this was an old fort or Army base.”

Sakai says his father made sure that he knew that story above all others.

“He wanted me to understand the atrocity, the violation of constitutional rights. They had to prove themselves to be Americans when they were Americans by birthright!”

As a result of that experience, he says, “Constitutional rights are integrated into my DNA.” Sakai has two adult children with his wife Rachel, whom he calls the “heart, soul and conscience” of his campaign.

He also has two grandchildren.

“What my two grandchildren have

taught me is that I did my very best to raise my children. I tried to give them a set of values, a sense of responsibility. I did my best to make sure my children did not get a sense of entitlement.

“But grandchildren on the other hand … [are] an entirely different circumstance,” he says with a grin. “I’m willing to spoil my grandchildren, get them whatever they want — and then basically give them back to their parents. So, that is the privilege and the power of being a grandparent, and I am going to take full advantage of that.”

I ask him what advantage he’d bring to the office of Bexar County Judge because of his age.

“I don’t see age as a distinction. I respect that being younger and perhaps [being] more progressive might be an advantage, but I would ask the voters to look at experience through wisdom, depth of character, reputation, accomplishments and proven record,” he says.

“Don’t vote for me because I’m older.

Don’t vote for [Minjarez] because she’s younger. Vote on the record, vote on the character, vote on the integrity.”

As we make our way through a shady walkway to our photo location, Sakai says he decided to run because he feels we are living through toxic times.

“We are living in times that I consider a danger to our Constitution, and I decided I still had some gas in the tank, so to speak. It wasn’t a time to retire but to recommit. I still want to lead, and that’s the reason this county judge race is so important to me.” sacurrent.com | May 4 – 17, 2022 | CURRENT

11

YOUR BALANCE Finding the perfect balance between work and life can be tricky. But just 20-30 minutes of focused deep breathing and stretching can lower stress levels, and channel your energy into staying fit and flexible. At University Health, we believe in the power of change. Because that’s where healthier begins. Learn more about the benefits of mindfulness at UHchange.com.

What will you change today?

12

CURRENT | May 4 – 17, 2022 | sacurrent.com

news CITYSCRAPES

San Antonio’s Grand Hyatt deal and convention center expansions are emblematic of the city’s murky dealings

BY HEYWOOD SANDERS Editors Note: CityScrapes is a column of opinion and analysis.

S

an Antonio’s city government is open and clear about some things. The annual budget numbers are laid out for everyone to see, for example, and the specific projects on the big bond issue package up for a vote this month are spelled out.

But much is far murkier. Take for example the recent deal to “sell” the Grand Hyatt hotel. It took considerable effort to get beyond the city staff talking points to find out that Hyatt Corp. was being paid some $140 million to take the underperforming hotel off the city’s books. Also less than clear was that the living-wage requirement, negotiated by COPS/Metro Alliance as part of the original hotel deal, would evaporate with the new deal and a new bond issue. And that the most secure of those bonds, the “senior lien” debt, carried a 5% annual interest rate — an unusually high return reflecting the risk of the deal.

It’s easy to see how those details got lost in the shuffle. City staff argued that volatility in the bond market made it imperative that city council approve the deal just days after it was put on the agenda for the March 3 meeting.

Interestingly, however, the bonds didn’t sell until April 20.

When the Grand Hyatt deal was finally put out to the bond market, the “official statement” that documented the bond issue carried more interesting information — details that weren’t made public when the “sale” was first announced. For example, the appraisal report put the current value of the hotel at $407 million — a figure far greater than the outstanding debt of $168 million. The appraisal also put the value of the hotel once its performance is expected to stabilize — January 2025 — at $459 million. All of which raise the

question of why we were in such a rush to dispose of the Grand Hyatt when the city might have been able to get a better deal down the road.

It would have been nice if the public had been able to see those appraisals before city council made its decision.

But undoubtedly the most striking new information in the official statement wasn’t about the hotel — it was about the performance of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

For decades, we’ve been told that the convention center is an “economic engine,” vital to the success of our tourism economy and downtown. So, we have dutifully invested in the center, completing an expansion in 2001 and another in 2016.

Then, of course, the city went into the hotel business with the Grand Hyatt, bolstered by a consultant study that promised it would yield a significant increase in convention business. And to keep the conventions and high-profile sports events coming, we discounted the rent for the center — called “hosting obligations” — and gave away millions in public dollars to gatherings such as the People en Español Festival.

But the Grand Hyatt document paints a rather different picture of the convention center as an economic engine.

In 2017, the facility’s convention attendance came to 396,785, according to details in the filing. The next year hit 431,492. But for 2019, convention attendance dropped to 365,850.

To put those recent, pre-COVID figures in perspective, we can go back to November 1990, when Arthur Andersen LLP produced an “Expansion Feasibility Analysis” of the HBG Convention Center. The consulting company reported that the venue hosted 336,966 convention delegates in 1989 in the wake of

Instagram / @grandhyatt

an earlier expansion. Arthur Andersen then offered the forecast that with yet another expansion — the one completed in 2001 — the center would see 662,000 annual convention attendees.

When the Arthur Andersen consultants returned a year later with an “Economic Impact Analysis,” they were even more optimistic about the future of San Antonio’s convention business, pegging future attendance at 728,000.

It didn’t quite happen. Indeed, the 2019 convention attendance total of 365,850 is remarkably close the 336,966 reported for 1989 — yes, 30 years earlier.

But you — or councilmembers — wouldn’t know that from looking at the performance metrics regularly reported by the city. The most recent city budget highlights performance measures for the convention center as its exhibit hall occupancy level and number of hosted events. But actual convention attendance is nowhere to be found.

The city’s annual continuing disclosure report to the bond market also shies away from detailing the convention center’s attendance levels. The document includes figures on the number of conventions, convention attendance

and convention room nights at local hotels. But those totals aren’t for the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

They’re for every convention booked in San Antonio — perhaps eight or 10 times more than occur at the convention center.

So, why don’t San Antonians have an accurate picture of how our massive investment in the convention center is actually performing, year after year? Why don’t we have access to the information needed to assess whether the Grand Hyatt hotel, or the successive expansions, worked and met the forecasts? And how could we possibly assess a future expansion proposal without knowing what happened before?

Perhaps it’s because our elected officials prefer not to ask those kinds of difficult and uncomfortable questions.

And perhaps because City Hall staffers choose not to provide information that might be less than flattering about the realities of the city’s policies and economic realities.

Heywood Sanders is a professor of public policy at the University of Texas at San Antonio. sacurrent.com | May 4 – 17, 2022 | CURRENT

13

Check out: Sunshine Among The Clouds: Bouncing Between Love and Loss in Life

Custom

P R N I NTING E E R C S

An inspirational book about a positive life perspective. Great for anyone going through loss, health issues, addiction, or someone looking to improve their happiness and view on life.

For Any Ocassion! Causes • Family Reunions • Band Merch Marketing • School Clubs • Fundraisers • Brands • Events • Runs screen printing | graphic design | business packages | koozies | bags + more

contact us: sales@cr8original.com | cre8original.com |

cr8original_screenprinting

available at The Twig Book Shop, Amazon, YChrome.com

BENEFITING

TICKETS AT

TACOCAPITALOFTHEWORLD.COM

WE’RE HIRING

JOIN THE HYATTS OF SAN ANTONIO TEAM!

K I N K Y

Currently looking for Loss Prevention Officers, Bartenders, Servers, and Cooks (All Levels)

DO WHAT YOU LOVE AND ENJOY THESE AMAZING BENEFITS!

•Flexible Schedules •Paid Time Off (PTO) •Competitive Pay starting at $14.55 •401(k) match •Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance •Tuition Reimbursement •Free VIA Bus Pass •Free meals provided

Hyatt is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F / Veteran / Disability / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

14

CURRENT | May 4 – 17, 2022 | sacurrent.com

ESTELLA’S MINI TACOS • MI FRIJOLES • TOMATILLOS • BACKWOODS BBQ Y TACOS • MR. MEXIMUM TACO BITE • RESTAURANT DON PABLO • STIXS & STONES • CHELA’S TACOS • HOLY SMOKE BBQ VERA’S BACKYARD BAR-B-QUE • CARNITAS DON RAÚL • PATTY’S TACO HOUSE • WESTEXASTAKOZ O R D E RU P • A L I T T L E TAS T E O F H E AV E N O N A S T I C K • F R A N K I E J ’ S • S A N G R I A O N T H E B U RG PLANTAQUERIA • EL SEÑOR FISH SEAFOOD BAR • PLATO O PLOMO • GUERITO’S RED TACOS • TACO BLVD MI TAQUITO ARANDAS JALISCO + MORE ADDED DAILY!

TRAVIS PARK NOON-11PM ALL-AGES COMMUNITY PARTNER

•Complimentary & Discounted Hotel Rooms

EL CONJUNTO NUEVA OLA • MARIACHI LAS ALTEÑAS • BOMBASTA + MORE

SCAN OUR QR CODE TO SEE OUR JOB OPPORTUNITIES!

SPONSORED BY

Colleague Benefits include:

SANTIAGO JIMENEZ, JR. • LUNA LUNA

E L D U S T Y • F E A • P I Ñ ATA P R O T E S T

news Hole to Nowhere Why the wheels are likely to come off of Elon Musk’s San Antonio tunnel scheme

BY MICHAEL KARLIS

I

n March, the Alamo Regional Mobility Authority unanimously approved a feasibility study for a proposal from billionaire Elon Musk’s Boring Co. to build subterranean “public transit” from the San Antonio International Airport to downtown.

At the meeting, RMA Board Member Michael Lynd Jr. and Bexar County Director of Public Works Renee Green affirmed that the Boring Co.’s proposal — a nine-mile underground tunnel that would transport passengers in Teslas from the airport to the Pearl and downtown — was the most feasible option among the bids it considered.

Questions have swirled about what problem Musk’s $247 million-plus overture would solve, whether it qualifies as public transit and whether transportation dollars would be better spent on better-proven, if less-flashy, solutions to San Antonio’s traffic woes.

As the Boring Co.’s $247 million bid undergoes a feasibility evaluation, it’s worth considering whether Musk’s latest pie-in-the-sky venture has any prospect of working. According to local experts across a variety of disciplines, the project is doomed from the start.

Water woes Although details about Musk’s San Antonio tunnel remain murky, what is known is that the project would be constructed in two phases and feature three stops connecting the airport, the Pearl and downtown. The subterranean track would take 36 months to complete and cost between $247 million and $289 million, according to the Alamo RMA. It’s projected to result in $25 million in revenue for the transit authority.

Even though a definite route hasn’t yet been disclosed, the most direct one

Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

— which would follow U.S Highway 281 — also happens to traverse vital springs that help replenish San Antonio’s water supply.

“The problem is that San Antonio Springs — the Blue Hole — is the original of two springs in the area that formed the San Antonio River,” said Evelynn Mitchell, a professor of environmental science at St. Mary’s University.

“San Pedro Springs at San Pedro Park being the other. Those key waterways are the reason our city was established in the first place.”

While neither San Antonio Springs nor San Pedro Springs are part of the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, both geological features connect to the Alamo City’s primary source of drinking water — and they lie in the way of Musk’s proposed tunnel.

“There’s multiple problems with boring through that area,” Mitchell explains. “The process is going to require the cementing of the outside of the tunnel. That, along with the fluids that they use could potentially contaminate the [underground] pathways and get into our groundwater supply.”

Even if the Boring Co. doesn’t poison

San Antonio’s drinking water, the tunnel could intersect one of the underground waterways that feed into the Edwards Aquifer and potentially stop the spring water from feeding into the underground water supply permanently, according to Mitchell.

Similar environmental concerns are the reason why the Boring Co. has only managed to complete one project so far, Musk’s Las Vegas hyperloop, according to multiple media reports.

The billionaire bailed on his proposed Los Angeles tunnels, the longest of which was meant to be 40 miles long. The network was intended to connect Long Beach Airport to Sherman Oaks and LAX to Dodger Stadium.

Boring Co. planned to wrap up the project in 2018 but scrapped it due to California’s strict environmental review process.

As reported by the tech magazine Curbed in 2017, Musk’s Los Angeles project was subject to review under California’s Environmental Quality Act, which could have taken three to four years to complete.

The venture also aroused concerns from LA residents, who worried that

Musk would end up boring into old oil wells, unleashing methane-fueled explosions. One such high-profile incident occurred in 1985, when a downtown Los Angeles dress store was blown up by a methane buildup.

The failure of the Los Angeles project wasn’t a one-off, though. Environmental and political concerns stalled out the Boring Co.’s proposed tunnel projects in Chicago and Baltimore-Washington, D.C. “I think there was an expectation from Tesla that ‘we will start digging a hole and when something gets in our way, we’ll deal with it and we’ll keep digging,’” former Maryland Secretary of Transportation Pete Rahn told NBC News last year. “That’s just not how the system works in the public environment.”

As a result, Musk and the Boring Co. have turned their attention to states with less regulation, such as Nevada and Texas. But experts caution that even in those states, Musk’s tunneling enterprise is likely to face blowback from residents — namely in the form of NIMBYism. sacurrent.com | May 4 – 17, 2022 | CURRENT

15

16

CURRENT | May 4 – 17, 2022 | sacurrent.com

news

Sanford Nowlin

09ers versus Musk Under Texas State Law, any entity that wants to drill under private property needs permission from the landowner, says Emilio Longoria, an assistant professor at St. Mary’s Law School who specializes in eminent domain.

“When you look at government strategy when acquiring property for these kinds of projects, unfortunately, there’s a lot of empirical evidence that these projects tend to go through places where the land is cheaper, the people are poor and the facilities not great,” Longoria said.

In contrast, the Boring Co.’s San Antonio project would tunnel under, or at least near, some of the most affluent ZIP codes in Texas, among them Alamo Heights’ 78209.

“Those people are likely to have the means to fight this [project] and get really frustrated by the consequences,” Longoria said. “I mean, could you imagine a whole bunch of landowners in Alamo Heights being told that they’re not allowed to build pools anymore?”

Beyond the ban on pool construction, residents in the path of Musk’s tunnel could face higher insurance premiums, not to mention increased risk of burst water pipes and electrical

issues, the professor noted.

Even if the Boring Co. gets a green light from regulators, it would likely face a knock-down-drag-out fight with property owners all along its nine-mile path.

VIA redundancy With those theoretical hiccups facing its project, the Boring Co. might opt to reroute its tunnel.

One hypothetical scenario is that the company could utilize an existing rail line that starts at the airport and cuts across San Pedro Avenue, which would wind up at UTSA’s downtown campus, theorizes St. Mary’s University political scientist Arturo Vega.

But even then, it’s difficult to say whether the rail line owner would be willing to sell, Vega added. And that route still doesn’t solve the problems associated with tunneling underground.

Even if the Boring Co. solved all the dilemmas raised by this project and rerouted its tunnel through neighborhoods around San Pedro, there’s still one more problem: VIA Metropolitan Transit.

VIA is working on a public transit project of its own — one backed with federal money — that also aims to

connect the airport to downtown. That 12-mile project, set for a 2027 completion, will utilize electric buses to ferry passengers down San Pedro.

Essentially, both VIA’s and the Alamo RMA’s project would serve the same function and potentially follow a nearly identical route, according to observers. The only difference is that VIA’s, at least so far, appears functional, while Musk’s has faced criticism for being a tourist attraction.

Alamo RMA Given the scuttling of other high-profile tunnel projects, it might seem that Boring Co. would have anticipated the myriad challenges facing its San Antonio proposal.

Not necessarily so, said Longoria of St. Mary’s Law. It’s not uncommon for businesses to issue proposals without thoroughly examining the feasibility beforehand, he explained. Indeed, many simply aim to get a proposal approved, expecting that at some point their plan will need to be rerouted and changed.

But that reasoning doesn’t explain why Alamo RMA deemed Boring Co.’s proposal the most feasible and cleared it for further study. The competing bids for the RMA’s airport-downtown proj-

A direct route from the airport to downtown would follow U.S. 281 — right through sensitive environmental areas, experts warn.

M

ect were to be built above ground.

The project itself certainly raises questions about what Alamo RMA is trying to accomplish.

The entity was created 19 years ago to develop toll road projects in the San Antonio area, and to date hasn’t built any. Some critics argue Alamo RMA is desperately trying to come up with something to prove the necessity of its own existence.

The Alamo RMA was already downsized nearly out of existence in 2013 after federal environmental studies on U.S. Highway 281 and Loop 1604 bogged down a proposed interchange there. At the time, then-Bexar County Commissioner Kevin Wolff proposed cutting the RMA’s staff to zero.

“Why would you spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to do nothing?”

Wolff asked at the time.

It’s a question that bears repeating in 2022 — although with the figures revised upward by a considerable amount. sacurrent.com | May 4 – 17, 2022 | CURRENT

17

THU | 05.05 + SAT | 05.07

and muralist’s work, which is inspired by personal travel, freight trains and railroads. The show’s opening will take place May 6 during the monthly First Friday art walk, while a May 5 preview night will provide an early look for those looking to avoid the crowds. Hall has exhibited

CLASSICAL MUSIC

in New York City, Philadelphia, Seattle, Austin and Dallas, among other

OPERA SAN ANTONIO: RIGOLETTO

U.S. cities. His San Antonio show will be on view until May 29. Free, 6-10

World-renowned for its trailblazing and exciting story, Giuseppe

p.m. Thursday and Friday, FL!GHT Gallery, 112R Blue Star, facebook.com/

Verdi’s Rigoletto and its famous arias are soon to echo through the

flightSA. — Ashley Allen

performance hall of the Tobin Center. The opera is highly regarded for a reason — Rigoletto tells the story of a European duke, his joker (the

FRI | 05.06 ART

‘LIFE IS YOURS TO DESTROY’ The eclectic creations of San Antonio artist and printmaker Ray Courtesy of Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center

Tattooed Boy will be on display at his first hometown solo show, “Life is Yours to Destroy.” BLK WHT GRY Gallery, a micro-exhibition space

nio,” Garcia said. Guadalupe Manager Jorge Piña added: “Su Teatro’s

featuring pop and surrealist artworks, will display Scarborough’s alter-

work and contribution to theater is widely recognized. I am very

native street-style prints, which reflect San Antonio culture and spaces.

honored they are returning to the Guadalupe stage.” The play arrives as

Opening on May 6 during the Blue Star Arts Complex’s monthly First

the Guadalupe celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. During the past half century, the theater has built a national reputation for producing plays that speak to Chicano identity. According to officials with the performance space, its focus is on “demystifying the Chicano identity and celebrating the experiences, history, language and culture of Chicanos, Mexicanos and Latinos throughout the Americas.” Sounds like a perfect fit. $12, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St., (210) 271-3151, guadalupeculturalarts.org. — Kiko Martinez

Boston Lyric Opera

FRI | 05.13

show’s namesake), and Rigoletto’s daughter Gilda, all of whom are affected by a curse placed on the two men. Set in a harsh world with little moral compass, the opera’s greatest moments come from the dramatic

COMEDY

buildup to a finale known for its grim nature. The subtly seductive aria “La donna è mobile,” or “Woman is fickle,” and opening song “Questa o

BERT KREISCHER

quella” are sure to ring a bell to anyone even vaguely familiar with op-

If you’ve seen the 2002 comedy National Lampoon’s Van Wilder with

era. Having premiered in Venice in 1851, Rigoletto was Verdi’s 16th work

Ryan Reynolds in the title role, you’ve seen a movie loosely based

in the genre and is based on Victor Hugo’s 1832 play Le roi s’amuse. The

on comedian Bert Kreischer’s college life. Van Wilder was based on a

show is a co-production of OPERA San Antonio, the Boston Lyric Opera,

Rolling Stone article from five years prior that featured Kreischer, then

the Atlanta Opera and Opera Omaha. $40-$180, 7:30 p.m. Thursday and

a student at Florida State University. The article referred to him as “the

Saturday, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210)

top partyer at the Number One Party School in the country.” We doubt

223-8624, tobincenter.org. — Dana Nichols

that Kreischer is still doing keg stands or panty raids in his free time, but he’s certainly had success as a stand-up comedian and podcaster

THU | 05.05 FRI | 05.06

since those beer-bonging days of yore. He’s landed two Netflix specials in the past four years — 2018’s Bert Kreischer: Secret Time and 2020’s Bert Kreischer: Hey Big Boy. He also hosts a weekly comedy podcast called Bertcast and a couple of others with comedians Tom Segura (2 Bears, 1 Ray Tattooed Boy

ART

Cave) and Bill Burr (The Bill Bert Podcast). In the 2020 reality show web series The Cabin with Bert Kreischer, he took a trip into the woods to at-

‘TIME HAS CHANGED MY MIND’

Friday event, the show will feature new paintings and screen prints by

tempt to detoxify his mind, body and soul — in the company of some of

Dynamic, vibrantly colored paintings highlight Michael W. Hall’s first

the artist. Ray Tattooed Boy has also teased an exclusive drop of artwork

his comedian friends. $39.75-$245, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Majestic Theatre,

solo show in San Antonio. The exhibition at FL!GHT Gallery explores

exclusive to the “Life is Yours to Destroy” show. Free, 7–11 p.m., Friday,

224 E. Houston St., (210) 226-3333, majesticempire.com. — KM

satisfying abstractions through the handmade nature of the painter

May 6, BLK WHT GRY Gallery, 1420 S. Alamo St., S204, blkwhtgry.co. — AA

FRI | 05.06 SAT | 05.07 TH EATER

INTERVIEW WITH A MEXICAN A touring production from Su Teatro Cultural & Performing Arts Center in Denver, the Tony Garcia-penned play Interview with a Mexican was inspired by journalist Gustavo Arellano’s long-running column Ask a Mexican. The lauded column explored misconceptions that gabachos have about Mexicans and Mexican culture through satire, humor and political incorrectness. This is the first time in roughly three decades that Su Teatro, one of the country’s oldest Chicano theater companies, has performed at the Guadalupe. “We at Su Teatro are so excited to Michael W. Hall

18

CURRENT | May 4 – 17, 2022 | sacurrent.com

bring this explosive and humorous play to the West Side of San AntoCourtesy Photo / Majestic Theatre

COMEDY

BIG JAY OAKERSON

calendar

THU | 05.12 SAT | 05.14

Courtesy Photo / LOL Comedy Club

Big Jay Oakerson has appeared at Gathering of the Juggalos, the annual Woodstock for fans of the hip-hop duo Insane Clown Posse. But before you judge him for that, know that festivals appear to be part of his regular circuit. He’s also performed at Bonnaroo and Funny Or Die’s Oddball Festival. Beyond those appearances, Oakerson has made the rounds of NYC comedy clubs, snagged a Comedy Central special and appeared on TV shows ranging from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to Inside Amy Schumer. TV may not allow Oakerson to do his full thing, which is pretty rock ‘n’ roll and pretty raunchy. Ladies, looking for advice on how to handle a well-endowed gentleman caller? Big Jay Oakerson’s your man. He’s also one of the hosts of the podcast Legion of Skanks, sometimes described as “the most offensive podcast on Earth.” Who could have guessed with that title? $64-$128, 8 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.

Friday, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club, 618 NW Loop 410, (210) 541-8805, improvtx.com/sanantonio. — Mike McMahan

FRI | 05.13 FI LM

THE SECRET GARDEN Pull your picnic blankets and lawn chairs out of winter hibernation. The Tobin Center will screen The Secret Garden (2020) at its Will Naylor Smith River Walk Plaza as part of its outdoor film series. Inspired by the classic 1911 novel of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the movie retells the heartwarming tale of headstrong orphan Mary Lennox’s relocation to live with her uncle on the Yorkshire Moors — and the magical garden she discovers in the countryside.

Reminder:

This film stitched together the fantastical garden of Mary’s imagination by collecting footage of Britain’s most-picturesque gardens. The resulting onscreen scenery immerses the viewer in the magic of the natural world. This film’s unfortunate April 2020 release date meant that the pandemic prevented its viewing in theaters, but the Tobin’s Cinema on Will’s Plaza series will finally allow San Antonians to take it in on the big screen. Full concessions and a bar are available at the event. Free, 8 p.m., Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org. — MC STX Entertainment

Although live events have returned, the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us. Check with venues to make sure scheduled events are still happening, and please follow all health and safety guidelines.

improvtx.com/sanantonio | 618 Nw Loop 410, SaN ANTONIO, TX 78216 | 210•541•8805

20

MAY 5 MAY 7

MAY 12 MAY 14

MAY 26MAY 29

JUNE 3 JUNE 5

JUNE 9

William Lee Martin

Big Jay Oakerson

Gary Owen

Los Tres Tristes Tigre

Pauly Shore

CURRENT | May 4 – 17, 2022 | sacurrent.com

calendar

SAT | 05.14

Courtesy of Majestic Theatre

COMEDY

CHELSEA HANDLER

Lately, it seems like a multitude of the comics coming through town got their start on Chelsea Handler’s show. So, it makes sense that the former star of Chelsea Lately is making a stop in Alamo Town. The name of Handler’s Vaccinated and Horny Tour pretty much sums up the comedian’s general demeanor. While Lately may be her best-known property, Handler has stayed active, most recently hosting a Netflix show titled, simply enough, Chelsea. She’s also authored a whopping six books, including the tautologically titled Life Will Be the Death of Me:...and Yoo Too! Meanwhile her stand-up prowess was on full display in the HBO special Chelsea Handler: Evolution. And what of podcasts, you say? Surely no comedian worth her salt can be without one? Rest easy, there’s Dear Chelsea on iHeartRadio. The lady has it all. $49.75$249.75, 8 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St., (210) 226-3333, majesticempire.com. — MM

SUN | 05.15

Courtesy Photo / LOL Comedy Club

COMEDY

EDWARD HERNANDEZ

While some details of Edward Hernandez’s life don’t sound like the basis of a comedy show, the local stand-up wants his audiences to know that as difficult as their lives may be, he’s been there before. He wants to empathize. Most importantly, though, he wants to make them laugh. “I’ve got a lot of different life experiences,” Hernandez, 53, told the Current during a recent interview. “I tell a lot of stories about my life and what’s been going on — from college to the Navy to marriage to prison to divorce. I take you down a path to where I am now.” Hernandez, who spent time in jail for robbing a West Texas jewelry store in the early ’90s, knows people are struggling through tough times during the pandemic. His best friend, who was to be the best man at his wedding, died of COVID-19 last year. “Everyone is going through these things,” he said. “What I want to do is go out there and give them a good time, so they can forget about what they’re going through for a while.” $20-$40, 7:30 p.m., Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club, 618 NW Loop 410, (210) 541-8805, improvtx.com/sanantonio. — KM

AT&T Center: 1 AT&T Center Parkway San Antonio, Tx 78219 For tickets visit ATTCenter.com/Events

sacurrent.com | May 4 – 17, 2022 | CURRENT

21

Cinco de Mayo 12th anniversary of the Quarry Hofbrau and Beergarden

V3RTIGO (THE 80’S/RETRO BAND) IS PLAYING FROM 7-11 P

DRINK SPECIALS, BEER SPECIALS DOOR PRIZES | TACO SPECIALS

Mother’s hugs and kisses Come celebrate 12 years with us and our “historical designation”

7310 JONES MALTSBERGER RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209 | QUARRYHOFBRAU.COM | (210) 290-8066

22

CURRENT | May 4 – 17, 2022 | sacurrent.com

are sweeter than Pan Dulce 2714 Hillcrest San Antonio TX 78228 | 210 361 2253 803 W Hildebrand San Antonio TX 78212 | 210 736 2253

arts

Making a Splash

Agarita joins forces with San Antonio native Nadia Botello for an aquatic concert at Alamo Heights Pool

BY KELLY NELSON

A

garita’s latest concert is literally immersive.

The roving chamber quartet is known for playing in unique venues — including its mobile Humble Hall — but has outdone itself for its next performance. Attendees would be advised to pack their swimsuits for the free concert on Friday, May 6, which will be held at the Alamo Heights Pool.

For each of its concerts, Agarita works with another artist or group to create a musical performance that often incorporates other artistic disciplines, from poetry to glass-blowing. This time, the ensemble has collaborated with multi-dimensional artist and San Antonio native Nadia Botello on a new, two-part composition that required the musicians to The city of San Antonio would not exist if find a particularly out-of-the-box venue. it were not for the San Antonio River, the Botello’s Ojo de Agua is a series of two works Edwards Aquifer and the sundry springs and that meditates on San Antonio’s waterways creeks throughout the area,” Botello told the and which are intended to be listened to Current. above and below water. With Ojo de Agua, she “As we navigate through drought, the poses the questions: “What might the river be ever-expanding built environment, pollution saying for itself?” and “What does it mean to and other major concerns ... What kind of really listen to a body of water?” experience and questions can we provoke for Botello approaches the queries both literan audience — listening in a pool with water ally and figuratively — Ojo provided by these systems de Agua incorporates — and what might that Agarita + Nadia Botello audio from recordings mean for the attention Free taken via hydrophone as to and care of our local Friday, May 6 well as interpretations of waters?”

6:30 p.m. scientific data related to Ojo de Agua: I is a longAlamo Heights Pool local waterways. form underwater sound 250 Viesca St. The final layer of the installation that combines experience is down to recorded improvisations agarita.org the listeners, who must performed by Agarita choose how they take in with hydrophone recordthe experience. Do they stay on dry land and ings from notable sites along the San Antonio listen to sound waves in the air? Or do they River. With U.S. Geographical Survey (USGS) immerse themselves in the pool, where the water data from the San Antonio River and music will be transmitted through the water? Olmos Creek, Botello generated graphical interpretations of measurements related to the health of the waterways which Agarita Material and cultural history members Daniel Anastasio, Marisa Bushman, Ignacio Gallego and Sarah Silver Manzke used A ninth-generation Tejana and fourth-genas the basis of their improvisations. eration San Antonian, Botello previously Unlike the rest of the evening’s program, combined her passion for local bodies of the audio of Ojo de Agua: I will only be played water with sonic pursuits when completing into the water, so it will require immersion to her MFA in Music/Sound at Bard College. Her get the full experience. The piece is a marmaster’s thesis, “Yanaguana Frictions,” is a athon three to four hours long, but it’s not large-scale installation centered on more necessarily meant to be absorbed all at once. than 12,000 years of material and cultural Instead, the length is intended to make it history of the San Antonio River. so that listeners “never experience the same “Water is our most important resource.

Bonnie Arbittier

moment twice,” according to Botello.

The installation will be played for an hour at the May 6 concert, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Evoking a shape Following Ojo de Agua: I, Agarita will perform live at 7:30 p.m. The program is centered on Botello’s Ojo de Agua: II, which will be performed by the quartet and transmitted underwater simultaneously.

While pieces of music usually hinge on following — or breaking — the rules of music theory, in Ojo de Agua: II Botello lets the river make the rules.

Using a custom machine-learning process, she translated patterns found in a decade’s worth of San Antonio River USGS water data into the composition and arrangement for the quartet. The end result is a piece of music that evokes the “shape” of that decade of data.

In addition to Botello’s Ojo de Agua: II, the concert will feature works by Claude Debussy, Antonín Dvořák, Timo Andres, Philip Glass, Jessica Meyer and Chris Rogerson, all of which will be piped underwater via speakers so listeners can experience the full performance from both above and below the surface.

While Botello’s Ojo de Agua is high-minded, it isn’t intended to be didactic. This collaboration with Agarita engages with big ideas, but the pool performance is also meant to be fun.

“My hope is that the audience can come experience something unique, accessible and perhaps leave with a few questions of their own,” Botello said.

Find more arts coverage every day at sacurrent.com

24

CURRENT | May 4 – 17, 2022 | sacurrent.com

screens

Courtesy Photo / Gravitas Ventures

Drunken Master

Danny Trejo plays a tipsy martial artist in South Texas-rooted superhero flick Green Ghost

BY KIKO MARTINEZ

T

he superhero genre might be dominated by Marvel and DC these days, but that doesn’t mean someone outside of those two publishing behemoths can’t try to reach the same audiences with an inspired adventure.

That’s what actor and South Texas car dealership owner Charlie Clark hopes he’ll achieve with Green Ghost and the Masters of the Stone, a superhero movie featuring a character he created to help promote his businesses in the Rio Grande Valley.

Clark, who’s white, also developed the character to honor the Mexican culture he grew up around his entire life. He was raised in McAllen by his nanny, Mari Cruz Aurora Aguirre, whom he lovingly refers to as Nana.

The name “Green Ghost” sounds similar to “gringo” — a label Clark doesn’t embrace since his Nana taught him how to write and speak in Spanish while immersing him in Mexican traditions.

In Green Ghost and the Masters of the Stone, which opened at local theaters April 29, Clark plays Charlie, a car salesman who moonlights as a lucha libre wrestler. When he discovers that he has superpowers, he teams up with a group of martial arts warriors, including Master Gin (Danny Trejo), to stop an evil force from destroying the planet.

During an interview with the Current, Trejo, 77, talked about the movie’s fight scenes, what he loves about Clark and what he’s going to do when he retires.

Your character is described a someone who has “studied drunken boxing, but only

learned the drunken part.” I know you don’t drink. Is acting drunk a challenge for an actor?

Oh, gosh, no. It was so much fun because you can’t mess up a line!

You used to be a boxer yourself. What do you remember most about your time in the ring?

I fought for a long time. Boxers have a tough job. That’s a tough way to earn a living, I don’t care who you are. Out of the [countless] boxers out there, there’s only like 12 champions. Boxing is a tough way to go.

What were the fight scenes like for you in this one?

Well, watching [actor and martial artist] Marko [Zaror] work was like watching birds fly. Same thing with [actor and martial artist] Andy [Cheng]. These guys were amazing.

[Actress] Sofia [Pernas] was great too with the stuff that she did. I thank God that they didn’t want me to do those spins. Charlie was watching out for me and so was [director Michael D.] Olmos.

I was surprised they didn’t give you a machete.

Well, I asked for one! (Laughs.) I wish I would’ve taken some stock out on Machete because I would’ve made a lot of money.

What did you think when you heard about this car dealer in Texas making a movie where he plays a lucha libre wrestler?

Charlie doesn’t know that he’s not Mexican,

so don’t tell him. But he loves our culture. He loves the Mexican American community. He does a lot for immigration. I mean, he stole my heart. Ah, that sounds kind of girlish, doesn’t it? You can’t help but like the guy. He does a lot for the community, and that’s the way I live my life too.

Identity is being talked about a lot in Hollywood right now…

You know, everybody keeps on talking about identity and culture, but we’re all on the Titanic right now looking for a good seat. We all better get together and put it together.

Coming out of this pandemic, it’s almost like Diosito (God) gave us a good shake and said, “Alright, do what you gotta do.”

You lend your voice to a character in the animated series Fast & Furious Spy Racers. If they called you up to be in the next live-action movie, what kind of car would you want to drive?

The only problem with me is that all their cars are fast and loud. I like low and slow.

I think Michelle Rodriguez would hook you up.

Oh, I love Michelle. That is one great lady.

Low and slow. She knows. She’s been in a lowrider.

You’re turning 78 on May 16…

Yeah, don’t tell anybody. (Laughs.) I’m not gonna stop working. My son started directing, and he’s doing good. So, I told him, “Alright, chavalo (kid). You’re my Social Security.” I’m gonna do this till I’m 80, and then I’m moving into the back of his house.

What do you want for your birthday?

I’ll sound like a beauty contest winner: peace on Earth. (Laughs). Really, I just want everyone to be happy. I couldn’t ask for anything more. Diosito’s been good to me.

Find more film stories at sacurrent.com

Courtesy Photo / Texas Dingers

Field of Dreams

San Antonio’s new sandlot baseball team hopes to improve the mental health of local food workers

BY NINA RANGEL

L

ast Saturday, Pittman-Sullivan Park on San Antonio’s East Side was alive with the sounds of baseball. Burgers and hot dogs sizzled on a grill. Hands slapped together in high-fives.

The unmistakable crack of wood on cowhide resonated beyond the outfield.

Just after 1 p.m., San Antonio’s first sandlot baseball team in decades, the Texas Dingers, welcomed the Houston-based Texas Oil Dawgs to their inaugural home game at the storied Alamo City diamond.

Dingers organizer Matt Dixon manned the pitcher’s mound for most of the game.

Dixon, who manages the Alamo City location of Austin-based Vista Brewing, is vying to bring baseball and mental wellness together through a partnership with the Saint City Culinary Foundation. The Dingers is comprised largely of local foodservice workers.

Dixon approached Joel Rivas — founder of the Saint City and Heard, a nonprofit focused on providing mental health and tele-health services to bar and restaurant workers — late last year about forging a partnership that would allow the team to operate under the foundation’s umbrella.

“I pitched [Rivas] the idea, ‘Would you ever have a sandlot baseball team as one of your programs?’ And he was like, ‘Dude, you don’t know how long I’ve been

26

CURRENT | May 4 – 17, 2022 | sacurrent.com

wanting to do that,’” Dixon said. “He happens to be a huge baseball guy, so that conversation took off. And now we’re set up as a nonprofit program under Saint City.”

The foundation expanded the San Antonio branch of Heard in September 2020, developing a comprehensive health program for hospitality industry professionals. Many in the industry can’t get health insurance through their employers or are unable to afford their workplace plan. What’s more, employers often view mental-health therapy and coaching sessions as a luxury and don’t include them in their benefits.

“We have seen a lot more of the normalization of talking about therapy, people saying they’re not okay and looking for help … that doesn’t mean there has been a decrease in people relying on substances to aid that, but that trend has been encouraging,” Saint City Culinary Foundation founder Rivas said. “But out of all of the programs we’ve run across the U.S., San Antonio is one of the hardest to get people to buy into mental health and wellness. We can have a wellness program in Austin that draws 35 people, where in San Antonio it draws two.”

Spectators in the stands

Both Dixon and Rivas hope the camaraderie, physical activity and feel-good benefits of baseball will draw out more industry workers. Given the turnout at last weekend’s event, that hope may be fulfilled.

Despite the sweltering sun, nearly 200 spectators gathered in the Pittman-Sullivan stands and in folding chairs — many sporting Dingers hats and T-shirts.

Dingers player Dave Yelacic, a childhood sultan of swat, said organizer Dixon is on to something huge.

Like Dixon, he’s convinced that it’s only a matter of months before San Antonio has a league of its own.

Several local groups are already talking about organizing other teams.

“I think Matt [Dixon] was onto it pretty early on, and over the course of the last six months or so, there’s been whispers of teams popping up all over San Antonio,” said Yelacic, director of UTSA’s Center for Archaeological Research. “That community across Texas is really gaining momentum.”

Yelacic was feeling the literal weight of his pandemic-driven inactivity when he was introduced to the Dingers through a sandwich pop-up at Vista Brewing. Interested in getting back into a gym-driven exercise routine, he uses the weekly practices to fill his fitness void — and social void.

“For me, exercise equals increased mental health,” he said. “And building friendships and community, especially after having tightened up the social circle during the pandemic, feels really healthy to me. In a more general sense, most, if not all, of these items have a philanthropic angle. They’re giving back to their communities, so I think that helps grow the baseball family in its own unique way.”

During the team’s debut, the Dingers pulled off

Baseball city San Antonio is no stranger to baseball.

Historical evidence suggests knuckleball teams may have existed in the Alamo City as early as 1867, the Express-News reports. In 1884, the San Antonio Sunsets and Galveston Nine played a game that the daily credited with giving birth to pro baseball here. Legendary New York Yankees slugger Babe Ruth even played games in San Antonio, along with heavy hitters Dizzy Dean, Mickey Mantle, Pedro Martinez and Mike Piazza.

During that golden era, sandlot baseball became a pastime for San Antonians who couldn’t make it to Mantle status.

“There are dudes that used to play sandlot baseball back in the day, guys that were either washed up or didn’t make it to be able to play professional ball,” Dixon said. “Or just guys that liked to get together to play baseball from the neighborhood. [That] whole sandlot idea kind of died with those guys.”

The South Texas Negro League formed in San Antonio in 1949, and much of its talent came from players who engaged in the game at Pittman-Sullivan Park. So, it’s no coincidence that the Texas Dingers claimed it as their home field, Dixon said.

In a 2020 interview with TV station KSAT, former South Texas Negro League players said that even as baseball became increasingly integrated, they noticed a decline in Black athletes represented in the sport. As a result, they said, fewer Black children were drawn to baseball.

ball clinic a reality.

“This league is much more than ... wanting to be social,” he said. “It’s about being able to support our city in different ways, too.”

Saint City founder Rivas agrees that the spirit of the Dingers is one rooted in support. After all, what are foodservice workers to each other — and their guests — if not a team of folks striving as one to provide great experiences?

“In San Antonio, we have such a culture of community, loyalty and love. When people dive into something, they go all in, and often they put themselves in the backseat when they do that,” Rivas said. “They’re such beautiful, good people at heart that they inherently pour so much into their work that there’s not a lot left for themselves.”

Community spirit That culture of community was apparent at Saturday’s event.

Under shaded canopies, vendors sold wares including vintage clothes, hand-painted hats

food

unexpected double plays, near grand slams and stolen bases. The game was called at end of the seventh inning when the field rental time ran out, but the excitement from spectators and players alike was palpable during the final moments. No doubt adding to the festive feel, team sponsor Vista Brewing was pouring its Pittman Pilz, a light and slightly hoppy beer created for the team.

and commemorative T-shirts screen printed onsite. Smash burgers and hot dogs sizzled on a mobile grill, and drafts flowed from Vista Brewing’s mobile beer truck.

Despite the late-spring heat that beat down on spectators and players alike, the spirit of the sport was alive and well on the East Side.

That spirit was also on display before the game began, when the Dingers spent the prior evening working on the field. Players filled holes and cracks in the outfield and helped shore up the pitcher’s mound in advance of the game.

“There’s that philanthropic angle to it,” Dingers player Yelacic said. “We’re raising money for some really worthy causes. That sandlot ethos of giving back through baseball is seeing an upswing, and you know, it’s really a lot of fun.”

The Dingers’ next four games — May 21, June 19, July 16 and August 6 — will be held at Pittman-Sullivan Park. Tickets are $10 at the gate, and a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales and concessions will benefit Heard.

East Side clinics Dixon said he and the rest of the Dingers are making it a mission not only to work with San Antonio’s Parks and Recreation Department to rejuvenate the inner-city ballpark but to host free baseball clinics for East Side youth.

“These old ballplayers talk about African American boys and girls getting out of baseball, when it used to be all that they played,” Dixon said. “But now, they’re more [interested in] basketball and football, and these guys have a huge desire for the African American community to have a love for baseball again.

So, if we could do something, just one week out of the summer, that’s free to the neighborhood, I’d love to do that.”

Dixon says he’s in talks with SA Youth, a nonprofit that works with high-risk kids and young adults, to make the dream of a baseCourtesy Photo / Texas Dingers

Find more food & drink news at sacurrent.com

SAN ANTONIO’S UPSCALE OUTDOOR SHOPPING AND DINING DESTINATION

260 E. BASSE RD • SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209 • QUARRYVILLAGESA.COM

e h t e c n e i r e p x E

e l y t s e f i L t s e B

28

CURRENT | May 4 – 17, 2022 | sacurrent.com

food Choice Chinese

Whether tackling traditional or modern takes on Sichuan cuisine, Dashi excels

BY RON BECHTOL

A

t the end of our recent dinner at Dashi Sichuan Kitchen + Bar, the table was a train wreck of ravaged dishes and scattered chopsticks.

Make that two tables. The staff pulled up another to hold all the plates and platters after our party had ordered a total of 12 dishes. And it wasn’t the first time such a scenario had played out. My first visit to Dashi, a spinoff of popular Chinese restaurant Sichuan House, resulted in an only slightly smaller scene of culinary carnage.

Part of the issue is that my dining squad is always ready to do battle over the last lamb lollipop or the one remaining shard of pea shoot showered with garlic. But weighing more heavily is that the food was all too good. You could almost close your eyes and point randomly at the menu.

Of course you won’t. If that were the case, I could stop here.

Beginning with the menu’s Little Eats section, the Tangy Sesame Pork Ribs may be your first introduction to GGG, Dashi’s holy trinity of garlic, green onion and ginger. A slight sweetness is balanced by CK vinegar, made with glutinous rice, and there were bones that we elected to crunch right through in our enthusiasm.

Don’t attempt to eat the bones of the chopped Savory Duck, however. It won’t arrive rare-looking, but the meat is delicate, subtle and absolutely glorious with a dip in the provided honey followed by another in the “numbing” mala powder.

Sichuan Cold Noodles sport some of that same GGG and CK vinegar, along with huajiao, the classic and pungent Sichuan pepper, which isn’t related to Western peppercorns. The dish’s titular noodles also aren’t the glass noodles you might be familiar with in some cold Asian dishes. Instead, they’re egg-based and springy in texture. Scallions add fresh contrast, and there’s just enough vinegar to balance the heat.

Another cold dish, the Pick Three option is well worth consideration. Sadly — maybe — the kitchen was out of the pig tongue that’s the inspiration for the Spicy Talkers selection, and I was frankly leery of the texture of the pig ears that comprise the Spicy Listeners. Spicy Numbing Chicken got most of its spice from the drizzled sauce, so the huajiao-shy can avoid it and concentrate instead on the velvety texture.

Garlicky Pork Belly turned out to be the best rendition of the all-too-popular product I’ve had in many a moon. Thinly sliced and smartly set off by cooling cucumber, it was a joy to behold and devour.

I probably wouldn’t have completed the triad with Mr. & Mrs. Spicy Beef if not for the fact that it unex-

Ron Bechtol

pectedly pairs beef shank and tripe. Diaphanously thin, the tripe shamelessly flirted with the heartier shank to blind-date perfection, aided by co-conspirator peanuts. An Assorted Pickles add-on brought carrot and daikon — one salty, the other vinegary.

The menu’s Classic Stir-Frys category was loaded with potential — but also a setup for possible disappointment. On one visit, the kitchen was out of both Smoky Cauliflower and Spicy Garlic Eggplant and first signaled that Sautéed Snow Pea Shoots were missing in action. Somehow, the shoots made a miraculous reappearance, and all I’ll say is snag them when available.

Having tried both the eggplant and cauliflower previously, I was able to make the disappointment of others more acute by telling them that the lightly smoked, al dente cauliflower made beautiful music with what was termed Sichuanese “prosciutto” and that the eggplant may have been the most sophisticated version of a sweet-sour dish I’ve ever had. Spicy Smoky Corn also made use of the Sichuanese “pancetta.” Though the flavors were great, the corn itself was chewy — perhaps this evening’s only disappointment.

The Spicy Poached & Saucy Fish Fillet turned out to be a sleeper surprise of silky, mild fish with equal-

ly appealing bok choy, all in a lightly smoky sauce with fermented bean paste and fresh sprouts. Ya cai, a pickled mustard green, accents the restaurant’s crunchy Famous Green Beans, a dish deserving of its self-bestowed fame. Street Potatoes — long, crisp and seductively spiced — are equally click-worthy.

You might want to check out the Dashi Cocktails before ordering from the Modern section of the menu. At first glance, the drinks may bear signs of creativity run rampant, but the Purple Moon, the Jackie Chan and the Grandmaster all delivered — especially impressive at $12.

The Modern section’s exquisite Spicy Cumin Lamb Lollipops were just creative enough and enhanced with onion and bell peppers. A must-order. Coming in a close second in this free-wheeling category is the odd but immensely appealing combo that is Spicy Pork Ribs & Rice. The crisp rice recalls your mother’s marshmallow-bound Rice Krispies treats — except it provides a toasty, savory and fabulously crunchy counterpoint to the suave boneless ribs showered in an obscene amount of dried chilies.

And after all this, I lustfully eyed a huge, whole fish as it was born like an adorned potentate on a palanquin to an adjacent table. Next time.

DASHI SICHUAN KITCHEN + BAR 2895 Thousand Oaks Drive | (210) 562-3343 | sichuandashi.com Hours: Friday-Saturday noon-3 p.m. and 4-10 p.m.; Sunday noon to 8 p.m.; Monday, Wednesday and Thursday noon-3 p.m. and 4-9 p.m.

Larger plates: $14-$65 Best bets: Savory Duck, Tangy Sesame Pork Ribs, Garlicky Pork Belly, Mr. & Mrs. Spicy Beef, Spicy Cumin Lamb Lollipops, Spicy Poached & Saucy Fish, Spicy Garlic Eggplant, Spicy Savory Cauliflower.

The skinny: Dashi is a spinoff of the deservedly popular Sichuan House with a more contemporary take on Sichuanese cuisine. Must-trys include Spicy Cumin Lamb Lollipops and Spicy Pork Ribs and Crispy Rice, both of which showcase the menu’s more creative side.

sacurrent.com | May 4 – 17, 2022 | CURRENT

29

30

CURRENT | May 4 – 17, 2022 | sacurrent.com

food

NEWS West Side nightspot the Lighthouse Lounge got the first city approval needed to rebuild its lakeside deck. The request now moves to the zoning commission.

Dutch Bros. Coffee is continuing its breakneck expansion, unveiling plans for 12 more San Antonio locations, in addition to eight already open here.

The third installment of San Antonio’s Taco Fest food and music festival will include performances by Kinky, Santiago Jimenez Jr., El Dusty and FEA at Travis Park.

OPENINGS Cake Thieves Bakery has opened a brick-andmortar location, serving coffee and vegan pastries on the East Side. 1602 E. Houston St., cakethieves. com.

Adelbert’s, the award-winning Texas brewery known for bottle-conditioned ales, will close its north Austin taproom permanently this fall.

New Japanese eatery Hanamaru Cafe is now open and serving the popular street snack taiyaki.

7460 Callaghan Road, #333, instagram.com/hanamarucafetx.

Maverick Spirits has released its first tequila-inspired liquor, Agave Blanco. According to company officials, it’s the first distillery approved for producing agave spirits in the United States since a recent federal rule change.

New Northeast San Antonio bar Horizons & More is open. However, it’s only serving “grown and mature” customers, meaning those 30 and older. 2818 N.E. Loop 410, facebook.com/horizonsandmore.

One month after changing hands, beloved lunch spot W.D. Deli will begin opening on Saturdays.

New mezcal and tequila bar Mas Chingon will hold a grand opening Thursday, May 5. 4904 S. Presa St., maschingonbar.com.

Marcus Baskerville of Weathered Souls Brewing Co. has launched a mentorship program and incubator for marginalized brewers at new North Carolina outpost.

Yet another all-you-can-eat sushi spot, Umiya, is planned in the space that formerly housed Drew Brees’ Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux. 11075 Interstate 10 West, Suite 200.

Trust Twin for a little help on your big day.

BEVERAGE PLANNING FOR WEDDINGS, SHOWERS, PA RT I E S , A N D M O R E !

Umiya

sacurrent.com | May 4 – 17, 2022 | CURRENT

31

Vape • Glass • CBD • Delta 8 + other Cannabinoids

Cloud Craft Vape+ A selection of highly curated products

15139 Bulverde Rd #101, San Antonio, TX 78247 | (210) 951-8273 |

32

CURRENT | May 4 – 17, 2022 | sacurrent.com

@cloudcraftsa |

/ Cloud Craft

music

Rock & Roll Machine

Ahead of a feature documentary on the band, Triumph’s Mike Levine recalls its big leg up in San Antonio

BY MIKE MCMAHAN

S

an Antonio’s long had a sweet spot for Canadian hard rockers Triumph, and the reverse is also true. Indeed, a 1977 show at Municipal Auditorium marked the first sizable U.S. gig for the trio.

Although on hiatus since 1993, save for a few reunions, the band is again in the news thanks to the forthcoming documentary Triumph: Rock And Roll Machine, which will receive its U.S. premiere via the music-centric streaming service nugs.net on Friday, May 13.

Produced by Banger Films (Iron Maiden: Flight 666, Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage), the feature-length doc covers Triumph’s rise, breakup and eventual emotional reunion.

The nugs.net feature will be preceded by an exclusive Q&A with the band.

Formed in 1975 in Toronto, Triumph was a power trio in the true sense of the word.

Guitarist and vocalist Rik Emmett provided high-end vocals and guitar heroics on anthems including “Magic Power” and “Lay It on the Line,” while Gil Moore held down the foundation, playing drums and singing grittier numbers such as “Allied Forces” and

“Rock and Roll Machine.” Bassist Mike Levine was the foil to both: a relatable guy known for ending shows with his signature shout, “Triumph loves you!” That message encapsulated both the band and its approach.

Levine spoke to the Current from his hometown in Toronto about the documentary and the band’s long history with the Alamo City.

The interview was edited for length and clarity, and a longer version can be found online at sacurrent.com.

Triumph got its big U.S. break in San Antonio. The documentary explains that you played Municipal Auditorium, replacing Sammy Hagar on a multi-band bill. What memories of the gig can you share with us?

A lot of them, actually. It was the big gamble that Triumph took. It was 1977. We had one record out and it went gold in Canada. [San Antonio’s] KISS-FM was playing the record as an import. We’re selling records in San Antone and Corpus, a little bit in Houston.

We were playing bars and high schools. A couple of what I’ll call concerts, but they were

Courtesy Photo / Triumph

$3 concerts at a place called Ontario Place, which was a summertime venue. It could hold 6,000 or 7,000 people. And the stage revolved! It was the amphitheater there, really screwed up. (Laughs.) So, we had a decision to make. We’ve got a gig in Buffalo a day or two before when we got the offer to replace Sammy. That was a big cash gig for us because it was 2,500 or 3,000 people in a club. We go, “Are we ready to play the Municipal Auditorium?” It was either 5,600 or 6,300 seats. They had sold half of ‘em when we got the call. We’re going, “How will we get our gear there? How are we gonna get there?

How will we get work visas?” We had a group meeting and said, “You know what? Let’s just go for it.” We called the promoter back and said, “Yeah, let’s figure out a deal. But we’re gonna have to rent a ton of gear because we can’t get it all there.” We figured out a deal, and the show ended up selling out. And it was a pretty amazing gig. That’s the preamble to it. When we walked onstage, there’s three Canadian guys that were scared shitless.

This is big time, right? There was a couple of record company guys showing up. The guy from Mercury Records, Cliff Bernstein, who ended up managing AC/DC and Metallica.

But we’re there and the gear is not working properly, and everyone’s just trying to put things together. But when we walked onstage — the roar from the crowd — we just looked at each other like, “Holy shit!” Everybody’s standing up. The balcony looked like it was

Reminder:

Although live events have returned, the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us. Check with venues to make sure scheduled events are still happening, and please follow all health and safety guidelines.

F O H S A L A SP , A NY TIME E N I s r H o v S a l SUN old, spa rkling f 4b

SIP EASY. ENJOY MALIBU RESPONSIBLY. ©2022 UNITED STATES BEVERAGE, STAMFORD, CT. SPARKLING MALT BEVERAGE

34

CURRENT | May 4 – 17, 2022 | sacurrent.com

music

actually moving with the crowd. We looked at each other and went, “Hmm, this might be pretty cool.” Away went the fear. And we played with ultimate confidence from pretty much the first note. It showed us that we could play a big stage and turn an audience on.

And that was a learning experience.

And the confidence we built from that?

Irreplaceable. Or as Mastercard said, “Priceless.”

You mentioned concerns about visas.

Former KISS DJ Lou Roney told the Current a few years ago that he had to impersonate an immigration attorney to get you into the country.

He took records and T-shirts to show you were rock stars and convince the officials to give you visas.

Whatever Lou said he did, I can’t deny because I wasn’t there. We were able to play our gig in Buffalo with a special visa because it was a border town.

For San Antonio we needed what was called an H-1 visa. You have to prove you’re a superstar, blah-blah-blahblah. And you had to be sponsored by somebody in America. They had to do the application for you. So, I guess Lou did the application as part of the deal.

Him and — rest his soul — [late KISS DJ] Joe [Anthony] were kind of partners with Joe Miller, the promoter. I guess Lou did his job. I think he probably bragged about it for 10 years.

Can you share an anecdote about Joe Anthony?

Those guys [Anthony and Roney], I call ‘em the cowboys. They were a team.

What I couldn’t believe was when we first got there, and we got to the radio station, it looks worse than a bar band trying to plug things in. There are cords running all over the floor.

In those days, KISS was both AM and FM. I think Lou and Joe had noon to six and the rest of the time was religious! Those guys had albums all over the place. They were scattered on the floor. They were everywhere. We’re sitting there doing an interview and owned the station for the day, basically. And they bring in some album by some band I never heard of. Joe puts it on, and he listens for maybe — and this is live on the radio — 35 seconds, then takes the arm of the turntable and scratches across the record, pulls it off and throws it against the wall.

He goes, “That’s garbage. Next!” He didn’t like it much. I was like, “Wow, that’s pretty serious stuff.” And we’re rookies here. We’re not the big super-

Courtesy Photo / Banger Films

stars that we probably ended up being.

I was like, “Wow, this is what radio’s like everywhere?” Well, no. In 1977, there wasn’t a lot of album rock radio.

Nothing that was like KISS. Scorpions, Rush, Triumph, AC/DC ... Deep Purple.

Everything. The experience there was like you went to school. Maybe you were in your third year of college, but we ended up with a master’s degree in rock ‘n’ roll by hanging out with those guys for a day or two.

Banger Films produced the highly successful Rush documentary Beyond The Lighted Stage. Did you have concerns that doing a film with them would be one more thread in the endless string of Rush comparisons?

We did enough research into Banger — and met with them — and they’re the gold standard of rock docs. They’ve done Iron Maiden, Alice Cooper, Rush, ZZ Top. They’re very professional.

They had a great operation. It’s not three guys with cameras. They had a building and a hundred employees.

Editing bays, music supervisors, legal people. This is not some fly-by-night company. And they’re [Canadian]. I told them, “You’re probably the most well-researched people who’ve ever interviewed me.” The questions make you go, “Cut the cameras here because I’ve gotta figure out the answers. I for-

got all about that, you know. I just got reminded of something. It might have been true; it might have been false. But if you guys found it, it’s probably true.”

We put our faith in them. They just said, “Please don’t tie our hands. Please don’t put something out of bounds. If there’s something you guys really don’t want to talk about, we’ll respect that.”

And we said, “There’s really not much that we can’t talk about. It’s there. It’s not like it’s hidden. You guys fire the cannons, and if at some point you guys got way too many cannons, we’ll say, ‘No we can’t go there.’” But that never happened. Well, as far as I know.

(Laughs.) I wasn’t there when they were talking to Gil directly or talking to Rik directly. It was like, “Let’s just do it and let these guys tell the story.” There’s more to this story than three guys who played in a band that got really big.

Watching the film gives one the impression that your US Festival appearance in 1983 was the high-water mark of the band’s popularity.

It was the show of the ’80s, really.

We had an option not to do it. From a strictly concert point of view, the previous play we had in the Los Angeles area was co-headlining the Rose Bowl with Journey. We did 110,000 people.

We were huge in LA, Journey was huge in LA. We tossed a coin to see who was

Members of Triumph, sans Spandex, talk about the band during an interview segment in the new documentary.

M

gonna headline. Bryan Adams, who was new, was on the show. We were due for an indoor play. We were gonna put three shows at Long Beach Arena on sale. ... We were a band that made LA work. Radio was all over us. We had to make a decision: do we do the US Festival, or do we do the shows at Long Beach Arena? There were phones going everywhere. We’ve got [Apple co-founder and US Festival impresario] Steve Wozniak on the other line. We just went, “Wow, it’s hard not to do this show.” We got nice positioning on the bill. Van Halen No. 1? Yeah. Triumph number No. 2? Yeah. Scorps No. 3?

Yeah. Ahead of Priest. Ahead of Ozzy.

This show could be something beyond belief. [Wozniak] seriously pursued us to do it. So, we decided to do it. Please apologize to all the people in the parking lot of Long Beach Arena that are buying tickets, you know? It was a tough call. But I’m glad we did it.

Triumph: Rock And Roll Machine, $19.95, premeires at 7:30 p.m., Friday, May 13, available on demand through May 30, nugs.net. sacurrent.com | May 4 – 17, 2022 | CURRENT

35

36

CURRENT | May 4 – 17, 2022 | sacurrent.com

music listings Wednesday, May 4

tec Theater, 104 N. St. Mary’s, (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre. com. — DC

Orville Peck Like the mysterious stranger in a spaghetti western, oddball country phenomenon Orville Peck is riding in to make his San Antonio debut, sporting his signature fringed mask, of course.

Peck is supporting the new release Bronco. The openly gay performer’s first album Pony bore a clear Sun Records influence — think early Elvis and Johnny Cash. His covers of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” and Bronski Beat’s “Smalltown Boy” twang up those queer anthems. Sold Out, 7 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — Danny Cervantes

Passing Strangers For San Antonians who remember the (first) cassette era, Passing Strangers is synonymous with high school prom performances. More than 30 years after the release of their Moment in Time EP, these Texas dance club stalwarts are back to delight the nostalgic with their synth-pop cover of Gary Wright’s “Dream Weaver” and other retro goodness $15, 9 p.m., Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com.

— DC

Thursday May 5 Erick y Grupo Massore What do you get when you mix lively cumbia con power? A chance to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with frontman Erick Sánchez Tovar and his ensemble. Born in Nueva Rosita, Mexico, Erick will undoubtedly bring his contagious energy to this fiesta. DJ Rudy Rios opens. $10, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — DC

Friday, May 6 James McMurtry Singer-songwriter James McMurtry went seven years between LPs before releasing The Horses and the Hounds last summer, which he recorded with production legend Ross Hogarth (Van Halen, John Fogerty, Keb’ Mo’). While that’s a new collaboration for McMurtry — the son of Lonesome Dove author Larry McMurtry — the album plays to his strengths, namely a storytelling style that’s earned praise from genre icons. $15, 8 p.m., Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, (830) 606-1281, gruenehall. com. — Mike McMahan Turnpike Troubadours When the Turnpike Troubadours’ reunion was announced late in 2021 after a two-year hiatus, the hype level in the red-dirt country world went straight, well, into the red. The beloved Oklahoma country outfit is hitting Floore’s as part of that much-anticipated reunion, but unless you’ve already got tickets, you’re not going … or you’re hitting the ’hub and digging deep into your wallet.

Sold out, 8:30 p.m., John T. Floore’s Country Store, 14492 Old Bandera Road, (210) 695-8827, liveatfloores.com. — MM

Friday and Saturday, May 6-7 The Avett Brothers Looking for truth? You might find it in New Braunfels when North Carolina folk-rockers the Avett Brothers return to Whitewater for the first time since 2019. Expect a mix of fan favorites and covers ranging from Bob Dylan to Bob Wills. Brothers Scott and Seth Avett founded the group in 2001 in a career that has blended folk music with virtually every genre including both country and punk along with the expected rock. The production of the brothers’ ninth studio album, True Sadness, was the subject of Judd Apatow’s 2017 documentary May It Last. $55, 8 p.m., Whitewater Amphitheater, 11860 FM 306, New Braunfels, (830) 964-3800, whitewaterrocks.com. — DC

Saturday May 7 Kurt Vile and the Violators Following the April release of his ninth studio album, (watch my moves), Kurt Vile is bringing his lo-fi indie-rock sensibilities to SA. Philly’s Constant Hitmaker, as Vile refers to himself, combines intricate songwriting with a sound that draws from diverse influences including Pavement, John Prine and Neil Young. Vile and the Violators’ 2021 cover of the Velvet Underground’s “Run Run Run” puts a jaunty take on the classic. Sold out, 8 p.m., Az-

Orville Peck Facebook / Orville Peck

Executioner’s Mask Gothy droners Executioner’s Mask may not sound as scary as their name portends, but their vibe is still graveyard-adjacent, inspired no doubt by spooky post-punk acts including Bauhaus and Sisters of Mercy. We’re guessing plenty of folks will use this show as an excuse to smear on copious amounts of black eyeliner, emulating Robert Pattinson in The Batman. $15-$17, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — BE

Sunday, May 8 Alejandra Guzman, Paulina Rubio Famed Mexican singer Alejandra Guzman, known as “The Queen of Hearts,” continues to spread her ballads of love and loss to audiences across the world, this time with “Border Girl” Paulina Rubio in tow. Guzman and Rubio must have made amends since their past quarrels over the same guy — Erik Rubín — as the queens are spending the run of an entire tour together. $59.59-$250, 7:30 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St., (210) 226-5700, majesticempire.com. — BE

Wednesday, May 11 Will Hoge A little bit country and a little bit soulful folk, Will Hoge is holding his own in a long line of singer-songwriters traveling a similar path. Hoge has seen it all. He copped a residency in Nashville and toured with acts including the Civil Wars, Shinedown and Social Distortion, and he’s released a plethora of albums via big labels and indies alike. $16-$70, 8 p.m., Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com. — BE

Thursday, May 12 Gerry Gibbs and the Thrasher People In San Antonio “thrash” means Anthrax and Slayer, right? Well, not exactly. This gig is at Jazz, TX, so you may need to check your assumptions. The Thrasher People in question comprise the big band led by jazz drummer extraordinaire and former San Antonio resident Gerry Gibbs. His father was Terry Gibbs, the legendary vibraphonist and bandleader, which helps explain why the younger Gibbs got such an early start, going pro by 18.

The drummer has performed with anyone from Alice Coltrane and Ravi Coltrane to Brad Mehldau and Parliament-Funkadelic.

He also earned considerable praise for his 2021 trio recordings Songs From My Father. $15-$20, 7:30 p.m., Jazz, TX, 312 Pearl Parkway, Bldg. 6, (210) 332-9386, jazztx.com. — MM

Friday, May 13 Vincent Neil Emerson, John Miller Americana fans might want to consider this one, which showcases two relative newcomers making waves. Vincent Neil Emerson cites influences such as Townes Van Zandt and Steve Earle and released his debut, Fried Chicken and Evil Women, in 2019. He pulls deeply from his East Texas roots, where he was raised by a single mother of Choctaw and Apache decent. John Miller, who released his debut album, Depreciated, last year, recently opened for Tyler Childers at the legendary Red Rocks Amphi-

theater in Colorado. $17-$20, 9 p.m., Lonesome Rose, 2114 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 455-0233, thelonesomerose.com. — MM

Saturday May 14 Kevin Gates After years of building his rep through releases of mix tapes, Baton Rouge-raised rapper Kevin Gates broke out with his critically acclaimed debut Islah in 2016. His hard-edged street flow is often broken with moments of melodic respite, as evident in 2021’s “Puerto Rico Luv,” an ode to his heritage. While fans anticipate the release of his teased third studio album Khaza, expect an authentic performance at San Antonio’s newest music venue. $54.50, 8 p.m., Tech Port Arena, 3331 General Hudnell Drive, (210) 600-3699, techportcenter.com. — DC

Monday, May 16 Daughtry It’s not over until Daughtry says it’s over — and it’s most definitely not over for the band that rose to popularity after singer Chris Daughtry landed a second-place win on American Idol.

The post-grunge rock band is back on track promoting its latest album, Dearly Beloved. $39.50-$179, 7:30 p.m., Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org. — BE

Monday, May 16-Sunday, May 22 40th Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival This annual festival promises a little something for every fan of San Antonio’s indigenous musical form. Activities range from film screenings to book signings and — oh, yeah — lots of live music by genre luminaries. This year’s lineup includes Las Fenix, Los Cachorros de Juan Villarreal, Flaco Jimenez performing with Los Texmaniacs, Rio Jordán, Los Callejeros de San Anto, Lázaro Pérez y Su Conjunto, the South Texas Homies, Ricky Naranjo y Los Gamblers and Jay Pérez. Organized by the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, the annual event takes over Rosedale Park May 18-22, with satellite events at the Guadalupe Theater (1301 Guadalupe St.) on May 16 and 17. $15-$40, 7 p.m. Monday, noon7 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. and 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, 6-11 p.m. Thursday, 5:45 p.m.-midnight Friday, noon-midnight Saturday, 1-10 p.m. Sunday, Rosedale Park, 340 Dartmouth St., (210) 271-3151, guadalupeculturalarts.org. — MM

Tuesday, May 17 Anthony Green, Laura Jane Grace, Tim Kasher A triple bill of lead singers on solo tours is headed to SA. For those who don’t recognize the names above, we’ll connect them to their day jobs: Anthony Green fronts Circa Survive and Saosin, Laura Jane Grace founded Against Me! and Tim Kasher sings for Cursive and the Good Life. As to be expected, all three musicians’ solo work is more stripped-down. Grace even guests on Kasher’s amusingly titled LP Middling Age. Green and Kasher are more associated with emo in their bands, while Grace’s main outlet hews toward classic punk. $25-$30, 7 p.m., Rock Box, 1223 E. Houston St., (210) 255-3833, therockboxsa.com. — MM sacurrent.com | May 4 – 17, 2022 | CURRENT

37

E M P LOY M E N T ALL 3 LOCATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! “TURNED THE TREND OF TYPICAL VAPING AND SMOKE SHOPS TO THE MODERN ERA...”

-A.M., GOOGLE REVIEW

“NICE STOCK AND EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT VIBES WITH THE HOME FEELING...”

-N.T., GOOGLE REVIEW

“QUALITY PRODUCTS AND HAVE EVERYTHING FROM VAPING GEAR TO GLASS PIPES AND CIGARS...”

-M.D., GOOGLE REVIEW

“I GIVE THIS PLACE 10 STARS OUT OF 5!

BEST SMOKE SHOP I’VE BEEN TO...”

-R.M., GOOGLE REVIEW

HAPPY HOUR PRICING!

TUESDAY + WEDNESDAY 4-7PM 10% OFF ALL MERCHANDISE EXCLUDING TOBACCO PRODUCTS.

9822 POTRANCO RD #115 • 210.957.0636 19422 U.S. HIGHWAY 281 N. #105 • 210.251.4058 7325 N LOOP 1604 W STE 101 • 210.988.3720

Hosting.

FUN FOR EVERY NEW GUY

Come Over to Squirt.org and Join the Action.

38

CURRENT | May 4 – 17, 2022 | sacurrent.com

Job Opportunity - International Public Relations Director Company - Worldwide Languages For a more detailed description of the positions and how to apply follow the link online at: www.WorldwideLanguages.net or contact Javier Roman, Business Development Director, at roman@worldwidelanguages.net Job to be performed in San Antonio, Texas.

Open until - 05/02/22

2065 L E G A L N O T I C E S

We’re

10 DAYS FREE

VIRC, LLC IS SEEKING A CONFECTIONERY MANUFACTURING COORDINATOR IN SCHERTZ, TEXAS TO ASSIST ENGINEERS IN MANUFACTURING CANDIED PRODUCTS AT SPECIFIED STAGES IN THE PRODUCTION PROCESS, TESTING FOR CONSISTENCY, PALATE AND APPEARANCE CHARACTERISTICS AND ADHERENCE TO SPECIFICATIONS; AID IN PLANNING ASSIGNMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH WORKER PERFORMANCE AND REVIEWING PRODUCTION SCHEDULES, MACHINE CAPACITY, AND ANTICIPATED DELAYS. INTERPRET ENGINEERING FORMULAS TO SUITABLY SELECT APPROPRIATE RAW MATERIAL QUANTITIES AND PROCESSING METHODS NEEDED TO ACHIEVE EFFICIENT PRODUCTION. VERIFY THAT SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT IS OPERATED AND MAINTAINED ACCORDING TO QUALITY ASSURANCE STANDARDS. DEVELOP SUSTAINABLE CANDIED GUMMY MANUFACTURING STRATEGIES TO MINIMIZE RAW MATERIAL USE AND REDUCE WASTE OF MATERIALS/INGREDIENTS; ANALYZE AND ESTIMATE PRODUCTION COST; IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN QUALITY, COST, AND EFFICIENCY OF SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT. MONITOR AND ADJUST PRODUCTION PROCESS AND EQUIPMENT FOR QUALIFY AND PRODUCTIVITY. SEND RESUME VIA EMAIL TO BENJAMIN@VIRC.COM AND REFERENCE JOB FOR CONFECTIONERY MANUFACTURING COORDINATOR.

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of Initiation of the Section 106 Process-Public Participation in accordance with the FCC’s Nationwide Programmatic Agreement. Fullerton Engineering intends to add (3) sector antennas on existing rooftop at 123 Losoya St, San Antonio, Bexar County,TX 78205 (Latitude: 29.425580 and Longitude: -98.488320). The antennas are to be installed at 185 ft of the 190 ft overall height building. Fullerton Engineering is publishing this notice in accordance with Federal Communications Commission regulations (47 CFR § 1.1307) for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). We respectfully request that parties interested in commenting on this Federal undertaking relative to potential effects on cultural or historic properties or with questions on the proposed facility should contact GSS, Inc., 1054 Texan Trail, Suite 300, Grapevine, TX 76051; Ph. (682) 651-0034 within 30 days of the posting of this notice.

(GSS # D22005-TX)