WHAT THE GOP WOULD RATHER DISCUSS | SA'S SUMMER MOVIE CONNECTIONS | SEPULTURA'S MAX CALAVERA JUNE 15 - 28, 2022
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in this issue Issue 22-12 /// June 15 – 28, 2022
ID Check
Two San Antonio clubs are shutting the door on younger patrons, but it’s still a small nightlife niche
Summer Spirits
These three Texas-made liquors are a perfect addition to hot-weather drinks
Hot Dish Two Tastes of Italy
Pearl-adjacent Italian eateries Arrosta and Allora are markedly different, but both have their charms
San Antonio Current
Editor-in-Chief: Sanford Nowlin General Manager: Chelsea Bourque
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
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
Creative Services
Creative Services Manager: Samantha Serna Production Interns: Pedro Macias, Marlene Mejia
Circulation
35 Music 26 Feature
Belly Up to Summer
Sepultura frontman Max Cavalera revisits early material for San Antonio show with his brother Iggor
Music Listings
National Advertising: Voice Media Group (888) 278-9866, vmgadvertising.com
Cool off with our look at SA bar and nightlife trends.
09 News
The Opener News in Brief
Current Events
In the wake of Uvalde, here are 3 things Texas Republicans would rather talk about than gun reform
Latte Labor
Workers at another San Antonio Starbucks are the latest to seek representation in a push that’s swept more than 300 outlets nationwide
14 Calendar Calendar Picks
18 Arts
Criticism with a Punch SA Writer Enrique Lopetegui’s new
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
Viva Max!
Jaime Monzon
Circulation Manager: Justin Giles
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
book Nobody Told Me Nada collects years of fearless music writing
The San Antonio Current is published by Euclid Media Group
San Antonio’s Briscoe Museum kicks off its Summer Film Series with The Searchers on June 19
WHAT THE GOP WOULD RATHER DISCUSS | SA'S SUMMER MOVIE CONNECTIONS | SEPULTURA'S MAX CALAVERA JUNE 15 - 28, 2022
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.
23 Screens
Summer Screens
San Antonio-tied actors and creators showing off movies and TV series this season
26 Food
A Shot in the Dark
After a rash of mass shootings, San Antonio bars are eager to protect themselves and their patrons
Verified Audit Member
O
n the Cover: Bryan Bergman, a manager at El Camino, shows off one of his cool cocktail creations. Photo: Jaime Monzon. Design: Samantha Serna.
sacurrent.com | June 15 – 28, 2022 | CURRENT
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TAKE PRIDE IN
YOUR HEALTH PANEL DISCUSSION
& SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
LUTHER’S CAFE
1503 N Main Street
Thursday, June 16th
5:30PM - 9:00PM
For PRIDE month, we encourage our community to Take Pride in Your Health. Join us for a panel presentation on important health information. Topics covered will include the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine, health screenings an as opportunity to know your status and the public health approach to violence prevention.
6
CURRENT | June 15 – 28, 2022 | sacurrent.com
DOOR
PRIZES!
Come see Tony Parker’s private pop culture and superhero statues from Hollywood’s biggest films. Ok, and some villains too! TICKETS NOW ON SALE
Adjacent to the Pearl | 200 W Jones Ave www.samuseum.org sacurrent.com | June 15 – 28, 2022 | CURRENT
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CURRENT | June 15 – 28, 2022 | sacurrent.com
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City council voted last Thursday to approve a $466,300 settlement with the family and estate of Jesse Aguirre, the man who died after San Antonio Police Department officers held him face down on a highway in 2013. The settlement, which will be divided between Aguirre’s wife, son and estate, is the second major settlement in a police use-of-force case this year. Council approved a $450,000 settlement with the family of Antronie Scott in May.
H
In news that will shock almost no one, a vast majority of Texas teachers say that they don’t want to be armed. In a Texas American Federation of Teachers survey conducted in the aftermath of the Uvalde shooting, 76% of respondents said that they don’t want to carry weapons in school, even though 90% said they worry about future shootings.
H
Kyle Rittenhouse, the Illinois teenager who fatally shot two demonstrators at a Black Lives Matter protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 2020, announced on a podcast last week that he’ll be attending Texas A&M University later this year. There was just one problem: Rittenhouse isn’t enrolled in the school. He later clarified that he’ll be attending nearby Blinn College, a twoyear public school with open enrollment. Harker Heights activists said last week that they collected enough signatures to get marijuana decriminalization on the November ballot. The town between Killeen and Belton appears to be on track to follow the example set last month by Austin, where residents voted overwhelmingly to lift penalties for low-level pot possession. San Marcos activists have said that they’ve also collected enough signatures to get decriminalization on the ballot this fall. — Abe Asher
YOU SAID IT!
“Two children, whose bodies had been so pulverized by the bullets fired at them, decapitated, whose flesh had been so ripped apart, that the only clue as to their identities was the bloodspattered cartoon clothes still clinging to them.” — Dr. Roy Guerrero
a pediatrician working at Uvalde Memorial Hospital describing the first victims that came in from the Robb Elementary school shooting.
news
That Rocks/That Sucks
Screen Capture / U.S. House
ASSCLOWN ALERT
Playing the anythingbut-guns blame game with Rep. Pat Fallon Assclown Alert is a column of opinion, analysis and snark. Is it just us, or are Republicans finally running out of things to blame for mass shootings? You know, other than fucking guns. As evidence may we offer U.S. Rep. Pat Fallon, the Texas Republican dipshit who last week tried to push off the blame for the nation’s rising gun violence on “dang smartphones.” Last week, during a U.S. House Oversight Committee, the genius posited that guns have
Progressive candidate Jessica Cisneros has filed for a recount in her extraordinarily close race to unseat nine-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar. May’s Democratic primary runoff was the third time Cisneros has faced Cuellar and their tightest contest to date. Cuellar currently leads by 281 votes, a margin of just 0.6%. The congressman projected confidence that his lead will hold. “She has no path to victory and will not gain 281 votes,” he said in a statement. Texas child-welfare officials last week took custody of the children of a mother whose 13-yearold son was fatally shot by a San Antonio Police Department officer earlier this month. Lynda Espinoza, whose 16-year-old daughter was also shot to death in May, has four other children ages 6 through 9. Martinez said she wasn’t made aware of the order removing the children from her care before they were taken, a claim the state denies.
always been plentiful in the good ol’, God-fearing USA, yet mass-shootings at schools were “non-existent or extremely rare” until only recently. “So what’s changed in the last 50 years?” Fallon inquired, laying the foundation for his grand theory. “There’s been a noticeable breakdown of the family, there’s been an erosion of faith and there’s been a seismic drop in social interaction in large measure due to the overuse of these dang smartphones and the proliferation of social media, which is probably better described as anti-social media.” Well, yeah. That and the fact that weapons intended for use on the battlefield are nearly as ubiquitous as smart phones in the U.S., can be purchased for about the same price and are available to pretty much anyone over 18 who wants one. Keep up the thoughts and prayers, assclown. We’ll be sure to pass them on to the parents of those 19 schoolchildren in Uvalde who were the latest victims of the nation’s smartphone epidemic. — Sanford Nowlin
Three families are suing in Travis County District Court to challenge the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services’ ability to investigate parents who provide gender-affirming care to their children. In the suit, one mother said that her 16-year-old son attempted suicide after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state officials to investigate parents of transgender children for child abuse. The suit, filed by the ACLU and Lambda Legal, is the second major legal action to stop the investigations. — Abe Asher
Twitter / @HRCAustin
Find more news coverage every day at sacurrent.com
FULL-SERVICE MARKETING AGENCY. LOCAL ROOTS. NATIONAL REACH.
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CURRENT | June 15 – 28, 2022 | sacurrent.com
news
Joseph Guillen
CURRENT EVENTS
In the wake of Uvalde, here are 3 things Texas Republicans would rather talk about than gun reform Editor’s Note: The following is Current Events, a column of opinion and analysis.
BY SANFORD NOWLIN
F
ollowing high-profile mass shootings, Republican lawmakers have traditionally adopted a three-step approach: blame things other than guns, try to change the subject and run down the clock until another tragedy dominates the news cycle. Don’t believe us? Rolling Stone recently parsed memos from GOP strategists spelling out that same approach following the Uvalde tragedy. “Ignore guns, talk inflation,” reads one of the memos the magazine unearthed, that one penned for a Republican Senate candidate. After first failing to quell outrage about the Robb Elementary School shooting by blaming mental health, a lack of armed teachers and schoolhouses with more than one door, a spate of announcements from Texas
GOP lawmakers suggest we’ve now moved on to phase two. Below are some of the issues of outrage that Texas Republicans have seized upon rather than debate gun reforms after a gunman’s rampage ended the lives of 19 school children and two of their teachers.
1. Drag shows for kids.
After a Dallas gay bar invited parents and their kids to a family-friendly drag performance last weekend, drawing a mob of unruly homophobes, State Rep. Bryan Slaton, R-Royse City, pledged to ban kiddies from drag shows. So great was Slaton’s outrage that he revealed on Twitter that he plans to file legislation during the next legislative session. (You know, the regular session in 2023, not the one Gov. Greg Abbott
has refused to call to address gun violence.) “As a father of two young children, I would never take my children to a drag show and I know … the rest of my Republican colleagues wouldn’t either,” Slaton said in the tweet still pinned to the top of his account. “Protecting our own children isn’t enough, and our responsibility as lawmakers extends to the sexualization that is happening across Texas.” No word on whether Slaton’s bill would prohibit kids from being able to watch movies such as Mrs. Doubtfire, Hairspray or To Wong Foo on TV, or whether the touring production of Tootsie will still be allowed to admit minors.
2. Twitter bots
Since the Uvalde massacre, the first substantial action by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton hasn’t been a move to keep firearms away from homicidal people or even a probe of how police handled — or didn’t handle — the crisis. Instead, the state’s top law-enforcement official announced last week that he’s investigating Twitter to get to the bottom of how many bot and spam accounts it has. In a statement, the Republican AG argued that bots “reduce the quality of users’ experience” on the site while jacking up the “value of the company and the costs of doing business with it.” That latter part sure sounds like it’s crafted for an audience of one. Newly Texan tech bro Elon Musk — the current subject of a Texas GOP infatua-
tion — is trying to buy Twitter and has publicly complained that the platform wouldn’t give up data he’s requested on fake users. Good to know Paxton’s sticking up for the state’s regular folks.
3. NASCAR’s sort-of Pride Month apology
Like plenty of other moneymaking enterprises, NASCAR issued a statement at the start of Pride Month about its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. And in that statement, it added “we acknowledge that recent actions have not aligned with NASCAR’s mission to be a welcoming sport for all.” While NASCAR didn’t spell out which actions those were, a Yahoo article speculated the racing body might have been referring to its decision to let Abbott — who’s not exactly a friend to LGBTQ+ Texans — wave the starting flag at its May all-star race. That was enough to draw a pearl-clutching tweet from State Rep. Matt Shaheen, R-Plano, who demanded that NASCAR, which has received $7.5 million in funding from a state fund used to cover the cost of staging large events, explain its statement. “[C]an you please define what you mean by ‘recent actions’?” Shaheen demanded in a tersely worded letter to NASCAR CEO Brian France. “I look forward to your response.” So, there you go. Three fresh outrages that have nothing to do with guns. It’s now up to Texans to decide whether — or how quickly — they move on to phase three of the plan. sacurrent.com | June 15 – 28, 2022 | CURRENT
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What will you change today?
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CURRENT | June 15 – 28, 2022 | sacurrent.com
news
Latte Labor
Workers at another San Antonio Starbucks are the latest to seek representation in a push that’s swept more than 300 outlets nationwide
Vote for Us!
BY SANFORD NOWLIN
Y
et another Alamo City Starbucks store is seeking labor representation, and workers there are demanding the reinstatement of a crew member they said was fired in retaliation, the Starbucks Workers United union tweeted Sunday. Employees at the coffee behemoth’s store at Quincy Street and McCullough Avenue are now at least the fourth group of staffers in the San Antonio area to seek representation in a unionization push that’s swept more than 300 stores nationwide. In February, workers at the Loop 410 and Vance Jackson Road Starbucks became the first in Texas to seek representation. More filings have followed at stores in cities including Austin and El Paso. “Our attempts at having a voice have been met with unfair and unjust treatment, including what we believe was firing a partner for organizing, threats of write-ups, the cutting of hours for partners speaking up, all of this in an attempt to silence our voices,” wrote four workers at the Quincy and McCullough store. Their letter also was signed by “many more who wish to remain anonymous.” One of the signing workers, Atticus Drummond, was the crew member allegedly fired over his organizing work, according to Starbucks Workers United. The union’s tweet included a link to
a GoFundMe account to help Drummond until he wins reinstatement. Starbucks officials were unavailable for immediate comment on the organizing activity at the store. The Starbucks Workers United union has accused the company of retaliating against workers seeking representation at other stores. Last month, federal labor officials filed a complaint accusing management of unfair labor practices at its outlets in Buffalo, New York, saying it engaged in retaliation and other union-busting activity. Starbucks officials have denied the claims. The push at Starbucks comes as rising corporate profits and worker frustration over the pandemic are prompting an uptick in organizing activity across the country. Recent labor shortages have also provided a jolt in bargaining power, according to experts. “Workers are in the driver’s seat in the labor market right now,” Aaron Sojourner, an analyst at the W.W. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, recently told news site Axios.
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Starbucks workers take to the streets in the company’s hometown of Seattle to rally for union representation.
q
Wikimedia Commons / Elliot Stoller
sacurrent.com | June 15 – 28, 2022 | CURRENT
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AS
THU | 06.16
and are also available at the Woodlawn box office. Groups of 10 or more
Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which freed
adults will receive a 20% discount. A handful of special performances
more than three million enslaved people in Confederate states, those
will take place during the three-week run, including an American Sign
in Texas didn’t find out until more than two years later, after Union
Language night on Friday, July 1. $18-$32, 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 3
soldiers rode into Galveston on June 19, 1865. The festival begins at 8
The action-comedy classic Men in Black hits the big screen at Mission
p.m. Sunday, Woodlawn Theatre, 1920 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 267-
a.m. with the walk/run followed by a 10:30 a.m. opening ceremony. A
Marquee Plaza as part of the Outdoor Family Film Series presented by
8388, woodlawntheatre.org. — CW
carnival begins at noon with an entry fee of $8. A $33 all-day carnival
FI LM
MEN IN BLACK Slab Cinema and San Antonio’s World Heritage Office. Families are
pass includes unlimited games and rides. A pair of free symposiums
invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs and pets for a night of thrills and
will take place in the afternoon — one for married couples at 3:30 p.m.
laughter under the San Antonio sky. Men in Black stars Will Smith and
and one for singles at 5:30 p.m. A 7:30 p.m. concert serves as the eve-
Tommy Lee Jones as federal agents who go to great — often comical —
ning’s finale. Performers will include Fred Hammond, Erica Campbell,
lengths to monitor alien populations on Earth while concealing their
Mali Music, Tim Bowman Jr. and Faith City Music. Concert tickets run
presence from the public. The venue opens at 7 p.m. and the film begins
$63-$103. $8-$103, 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Real Life Amphitheater, 16765 Lookout
15 minutes after dusk. Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks
Road, Selma, (210) 714-4810, reallifeamp.com. — Kiko Martinez
or to purchase food from on-site vendors and food trucks. A full list of
SAT | 06.18 SUN | 06.19
this year’s family moive screenings is available at Mission Marquee’s website. Free, 7 p.m., Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave., (210) 207-2111, missionmarquee.com. — Caroline WolFF
SPECIAL EVENT
BLUE MAN GROUP Face-painted percussion troupe Blue Man Group is bringing its colorful Courtesy Photo / The Woodlawn Theatre
SAT | 06.18
and comedic act to the Tobin Center stage for a three-performance run. Audiences of all ages can expect a riot of makeshift musical instruments, stunning visuals and immersive audience participation. Blue Man Group pumps up its percussive repertoire with unlikely and capti-
SPECIAL EVEN T
JUNETEENTH FAMILY FESTIVAL The 2022 Juneteenth Family Festival packs a one-day family event with activities including a carnival, concert, symposiums and a 5K walk/run. Celebrated June 19, the Juneteenth federal holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Although U.S. President Abraham Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
FRI | 06.17 SUN | 07.10 TH EATER
THE LITTLE MERMAID The Woodlawn Theatre’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid will make a splash this summer. The play follows the adventures of Ariel,
Lindsey Best
a young mermaid princess who — yearning for a chance at life above
vating props including paint-covered drums, garbage can lids and PVC
water — trades her voice for a pair of human legs. With an enchanting
pipes, often accompanied by a full band and hundreds of neon lights
storyline about the sacrifices we make for love, as well as an Academy
timed to the music. Prior to Sunday’s 2 p.m. performance, students of
Award-winning score, this aquatic fairytale is a favorite among gener-
St. Mary’s Hall will host an interactive science exhibit at no additional
ations of Disney fans. The Woodlawn’s stage production is directed by
charge to audience members. Short audience Q&As with Blue Man
Ivan Ortega and stars Kayla Gavigan and Nick Glavac as romantic leads
Group will follow each performance. Ticket holders can submit ques-
Ariel and Eric. Tickets are on sale now through the theater’s website
tions in advance via the Tobin’s website. $39.50-$99.50, 8 p.m. Saturday, Courtesy Photo / Perpetual Innovations Entertainment
JUNE 22
EMPIRE THEATRE
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT MAJESTICEMPIRE.COM 14
CURRENT | June 15 – 28, 2022 | sacurrent.com
calendar
Courtesy Photo / Visit San Antonio
SAT | 06.18 PRI DE
BUD LIGHT PRIDE RIVER PARADE & CELEBRATION
The inaugural Bud Light Pride River Parade & Celebration marks the first official Pride Week event staged along the San Antonio River Walk — a bid by organizer Visit San Antonio, the city’s chief tourism promotion group, to draw celebrants from both inside and outside the Alamo City. The celebration begins at noon in historic La Villita, where visitors can partake in family-friendly entertainment and music until 5 p.m. A total of 17 Pride-themed floats will begin making their way down the river at 4 p.m. for the first of two showings of the parade. An encore presentation will take place at 7 p.m. along the River Walk Museum Reach. Free, noon-8 p.m., San Antonio River Walk, thesanantonioriverwalk.com. — Dana Nichols
2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts,
case a wide range of burlesque talents from the homegrown
100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org. — CW
troupe, augmented by many special guests. Performers will
com/pridesanantonio. — MC
include Jasper St. James, Mary Annette, Vixy Van Hellen,
SAT | 06.18
Natasha B. Capri, Miss Kendoll, Alexander the Great, Logan Liqueur, Mademoiselle du Jour, Azúcar and more. For those who have never taken in a burlesque show before,
PRI DE
THE PASTIE POPS: BIG GAY BURLESQUE SHOW
Pride Month makes a perfect time to step into the world of artistry, comedy and sensuality with this body-positive and delightfully diverse troupe. Show hosts Camille Toe and Top-
San Antonio’s long-running Pastie Pops Burlesque Revue
sy Curvy will be your guides on this wild Pride-themed ride.
will celebrate the risqué side of Pride Month at its annual
$20-$150, 8-10 p.m., Bonham Exchange, 411 Bonham St., (210)
Big Gay Burlesque Show. The red-hot variety show will show-
224-9219, facebook.com/pastiepops. — Macks Cook
SAT | 06.25 PRIDE
PRIDE BIGGER THAN TEXAS The annual Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade and Festival is
Julián P. Ledezma
back for another year with all its staple events, from the eighth PRIDE Mass Wedding ceremony to the Krystal Kelly Running of the Queens High Heel Race. The Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade kicks off at 9 p.m. The event draws throngs to the city’s Main Strip to celebrate its LBGTQ+ com-
COMEDY
parade wraps up, the festivities continue into the night with
MARLON WAYANS: MICROPHONE FIEND TOUR
the Pride Block Party. Pride San Antonio aims to promote
If someone was planning a double feature screening, they
hope and awareness of equality and diversity through its
probably couldn’t curate two films as different as Darren
Pride Week celebration, which gathers people from across
Aronofsky’s drama Requiem for a Dream and the comedy
San Antonio’s communities for a variety of Pride festivities.
Scary Movie. Both were released in 2000, yet they occupy
Free, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Crockett Park, 1300 N. Main Ave., facebook.
opposite ends of the cinematic spectrum. However, they
munity in a loving and accepting environment. Once the
Courtesy Photo / The Pastie Pops
SAT | 06.25
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.
AT&T Center: 1 AT&T Center Parkway San Antonio, Tx 78219 For tickets visit ATTCenter.com/Events
NOVEMBER 10 12 MAJESTIC THEATRE TICKETS AVAILABLE AT MAJESTICEMPIRE.COM
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CURRENT | June 15 – 28, 2022 | sacurrent.com
calendar have something in common: Marlon Wayans. The actor and comedian starred in both early in his career. Since then, his filmography has been similarly inconsistent. For every solid sleeper like On the Rocks, he also has a tacky, mainstream foray like Little Man or White Chicks. In 2020, Wayans signed a deal with HBO Max to create scripted shows and stand-up comedy specials, which included last year’s Marlon Wayans: You Know What It Is. He’ll also star in a new movie coming out this year called Boo!, which tells the story of a father who tries to help his teenage daughter fight of a bunch of possessed Halloween decorations. Sounds awfully similar to his 2013 comedy A Haunted House, but maybe it will surprise us. $49.50-$69.50, 7:30 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — KM
The Criterion Collection
TUE | 06.28 FILM
CAMP LEGACY: MOONRISE KINGDOM
Courtesy Photo / Aztec Theatre
SUN | 06.26
Camp Legacy’s Summer Camp Movie Series is designed to evoke memories of roasting marshmallows, telling ghost stories and tying friendship bracelets — and its third screening this summer certainly fits the bill. At its heart, the cult favorite Moonrise Kingdom (2012) is an eclectic scouting-themed coming-of-age flick that captures first love between two misfit kids. Set on an island off the New England coast during the summer of 1965 and directed by Wes Anderson (Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Isle of Dogs), the film stars Kara Hayward and Jared Gilman as the central characters. The film also landed an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay and has drawn praise for its vivid color palette, whimsical storytelling and mature exploration of the theme of juvenile mental health. Bring along friends to help you pitch a tent, and after that hard work is done, feel free to enjoy custom cocktails from Pinkerton’s Barbecue. Free, 7 p.m., Legacy Park, 103 W. Houston St., westonurban.com/legacy-park.— MC
PRI DE
CENTRO FAMILY PRIDE DAY
capped off with a mini-parade around the park celebrating the diverse
Dress up for the occasion and bring your Pride flags for Centro San
people that make up the San Antonio community. Circus entertain-
Antonio’s family-centered downtown event at Madison Square Park.
ment and an array of local food and craft vendors will bolster up the
Following the theme “A Brave Space for Every Family,” the third annual
afternoon’s festivities. Free, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Madison Square Park, 400
iteration of the event will feature a variety of LGBTQ+ performers and is
Lexington Ave., centrosanantonio.org.. — DN
MON | 06.27 TALKS
PROFESSOR BRIAN COX: HORIZONS Renowned British physicist and one-time professional musician Brian Cox will bring his hip and approachable take on science education to the Majestic Theatre as part of a world tour exploring the nature of our solar system and its components. In the same realm of influence and expertise as popular scientists Neil deGrasse Tyson, Bill Nye and Carl Sagan, Cox is known for the wit and charisma he evokes while answering big questions about the universe. Science buffs may know Cox from his work on acclaimed TV shows including Wonders of the Universe and Wonders of the Solar System, but no prior knowledge is needed to be entranced by the University of Manchester professor’s storytelling, which is enhanced by state-of-the-art-projections of the night sky and points beyond. Cox’s Infinite Monkey Cage podcast co-host Robin Ince will join him onstage. $54.50-$64.50, 7 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St., (210) 226-3333, majesticempire.com. — DN Courtesy Photo / Centro San Antonio
Courtesy Photo / Majestic Theatre
sacurrent.com | June 15 – 28, 2022 | CURRENT
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Criticism with a Punch
SA Writer Enrique Lopetegui’s new book Nobody Told Me Nada collects years of fearless music writing BY MIKE MCMAHAN
S
an Antonio-based music critic Enrique Lopetegui got the writing bug as a teen when he sent a firedup missive to a newspaper in his native country of Uruguay. In it, he criticized a martial arts style whose progenitor could allegedly kill bulls with a single punch — a claim that does sound like bullshit. It’s easy to see why Lopetegui was pissed. The letter ran in the paper, and the rest is, well, history. It’s history because Lopetegui wrote it, and he continued to write because he was unimpressed with the state of South American music criticism. But he didn’t stop there. By 1984, he’d relocated to LA, where he’d become a Hare Krishna and worked in an ice cream shop. Eventually, he landed a gig as the Los Angeles Times’ Latin pop music critic, then became the Current’s music and screens editor from 2008 to 2014. It may be that Lopetegui’s early letter defined his style, because the pieces collected in his new book Nobody Told Me Nada: Latin Pop, Llama Poop & Other Unexpected Writings: An Enrique Lopetegui Selection (1992-2021) are short and punchy — not unlike a well-crafted letter to the editor. Published by Yulelé Media, the book also is organized chronologically, so the pieces reflect his career arc as a music scribe. Some read like dispatches from the frontlines of the live music circuit. For example, he opens a piece about South Texas music legend Freddy Fender with the choice quote “When I read in Rolling Stone that ‘Thee Midniters were the
original rock en español,’ I wanted to puke.” In Nobody Told Me Nada, Lopetegui repeatedly pulls off a maneuver that separates world-class cultural critics from aspirants: describing music and placing it in context. His ability to do that is on full display in a 1992 LA Weekly piece about Mexican rock band La Lupita that might as well have hypertext. By 1993, the writer was talking to Mexican pop icon Juan Gabriel about slam-dancing and sexual orientation. Though the collection’s early writings are focused on Latin music, by the time Lopetegui’s award-winning San Antonio era arrives, readers get to see him expand his focus to include interviews with and essays about B.B. King, Morrissey, Charlie Chaplin, Slash, Manu Ginobli and Linda Ronstadt. Lopetegui’s profile of San Antonio’s much-missed Girl In A Coma is one of the highlights, as is a confrontation with Public Enemy’s Chuck D over the weakness of the Democratic Party. Through this whirlwind, Lopetegui’s fearless spirit is always on full display.
San Antonio’s Briscoe Museum kicks off its Summer Film Series with The Searchers on June 19
C Find more arts coverage every day at sacurrent.com
ritically acclaimed 1956 Western The Searchers leads the herd this month as the first film in the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Summer Film Series. Directed by John Ford, The Searchers follows Civil War veteran Ethan Edwards (John Wayne) on a treacherous mission across Texas to find his niece Debbie (Natalie Wood), who’s been kidnapped by Comanches. The film has been described by critics as a relevant commentary on racial prejudice and the dangerous consequences of revenge. The series will continue with screenings
HBO Max
of Dances with Wolves on Sunday, July 17 and Wind River on Sunday, Aug. 21. All screenings will take place in the Briscoe’s Jack Guenther Pavilion. Each is included with general museum admission and will be preceded by a short presentation on
Courtesy Image / Yulelé Media
“With all due respect to the New York Dolls and the Ramones, I boldly declare: without [Emerson, Lake & Palmer], there would be no punk,” he writes in a piece on the often-derided prog rock trio. Lopetegui then follows up that bold statement by asking the band’s Carl Palmer himself if drum solos are just excuses to “show off.” A man not afraid to piss off martial arts masters, prog legends or punk rockers. Godspeed, sir. the common themes and qualities of Western films. Free beverages will be served, courtesy of Ranger Creek Brewery, with popcorn and other snacks available for purchase. The film series will occur alongside the museum’s latest exhibition, “The Sons of Charlie Russell: The Cowboy Artists of America,” which will remain on view through Sept. 5. Curated by Emily Wilson, the show features an eclectic collection of more than 70 works from 1890 to the present that encompass the steadfast traditions of Western art. Museum visitors can immerse themselves in works by 19th-century Western art pioneers in addition to contemporary contributions to the genre. $6-$12, 1 p.m., Sunday, June 19, Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St., (210) 299-4499, briscoemuseum.org. — Caroline WolFF
June 28 I 6:00–7:00 p.m.
In-person and streamed via Zoom Pay What You s | samuseum.org/calendar Superheroes are often cast as beefcakes and vixens in pop culture. In these perceived extremes, many artists find the perfect platforms for broader, more nuanced conversations about gender performance. Join curator Alejo Benedetti as he discusses how artists engage this enduring topic on the art world stage.
200 West Jones Avenue | samuseum.org
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Follow the smokestacks to seasonal favorites,
free f lowers and Father’s Day photo !
Get a free mini bouquet and digital photo with your same-day purchases totaling $75 or more from at least two Alamo Quarry Market stores or restaurants. To collect your fresh Spring flowers, bring current day’s receipts to the pop-up at these locations. Plus, enter for a chance to win $100 in prizes. WEDNESDAY
JUNE 15 | 1 - 3pm Columbia Sportswear
THURSDAY
JUNE 16 | 1 - 3pm Williams Sonoma
One per customer. While supplies last. Employees and their families of Alamo Quarry Market and all of its tenants are not eligible. Follow the smokestacks to San Antonio’s premier lifestyle shopping center featuring over 75 uniques shops and fabulous choices for fine and casual dining. Highway 281 at 255 East Basse Road | (210) 824-8885 | QuarryMarket.com | Follow us 22
CURRENT | June 15 – 28, 2022 | sacurrent.com
screens
Universal Pictures
Summer Screens
San Antonio-tied actors and creators showing off movies and TV series this season BY KIKO MARTINEZ
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ummer is well underway, and with it comes plenty of blockbuster movies and high-profile TV series. Here are a few projects worth checking out if you’re interested in supporting San Antonio natives in their cinematic and small-screen endeavors.
Bruce McGill
MacArthur High School graduate and veteran character actor Bruce McGill stars in the TV movie Buried in Barstow. The film features actress Angie Harmon (Law & Order) as Hazel King, a single mother and ex-assassin who tries to escape her former life by moving to a small town and opening a barbecue joint. McGill plays Von, the man who saved Hazel from the streets when she was a teenager and trained her to become a killer. Buried in Barstow debuted on the Lifetime channel on June 4 and is now streaming on Hulu.
Saagar Shaikh
Marshall High School and UTSA graduate Saagar Shaikh stars in the new Disney+ series Ms. Marvel. Based on characters from Marvel Comics, the show follows Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), a 16-year-old Muslim Pakistani American high school student who gains superpowers from an antique bracelet. Shaikh plays Aamir Khan, Kamala’s supportive and loving older brother. “This project is so close to my heart,” Shaikh told the Current. “We did our best to represent one family in one community. It was relatable.” Ms. Marvel debuted June 10 on Disney+.
Olivia Applegate
San Antonio-born actress Olivia Applegate stars in the TV romance series Driven as Rylee Thomas, a woman who falls in love with a racecar driver. The show is adapted from the book series by New York Times bestselling author K. Bromberg. Viewers may recognize Applegate from her appearances in The Gifted, Euphoria and Dirty John. The third season of Driven just wrapped on June 11. Watch all three seasons on the streaming platform Passionflix.
Amelia Rico
Brackenridge High School graduate Amelia Rico stars in the first season of the psychological thriller series Dark Winds, based on a book series by Tony Hillerman. It tells the story of two Navajo police officers, Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) and Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon), working in the Southwest during the 1970s. Rico plays Ada, an indigenous mother who is hiding a secret when officers visit her home. Before landing the role on Dark Winds, Rico appeared in series including Yellowstone, Walker and Grey’s Anatomy. Dark Winds debuted on AMC and AMC+ on June 12.
C. Robert Cargill
San Antonio-born screenwriter C. Robert Cargill co-wrote and co-produced the new horror movie The Black Phone with writer-director-producer Scott Derrickson (Doctor Strange). The film, which stars Oscar nominee Ethan Hawke (Boyhood), follows a kidnapped
The screenplay for new horror movie The Black Phone was written by San Antonio-born C. Robert Cargill.
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13-year-old boy who begins to receive frightening calls from his abductor’s past victims. The film is adapted from a short story by writer Joe Hill (Locke & Key). Cargill teamed with Derrickson on his last writing gig, Doctor Strange, in 2016. He’s also written Sinister and Sinister 2. The Black Phone debuts at theaters June 24.
Warren Kole
San Antonio-born actor Warren Kole has a small role in the upcoming action-drama series The Terminal List as NCIS Agent Josh Holder. The series tells the story of James Reece (Chris Pratt), a former Navy SEAL officer who investigates the reason his platoon was ambushed during a special mission. The series also stars Taylor Kitsch (Lone Survivor), Constance Wu (Crazy Rich Asians) and Riley Keough (Zola). Kole can also be seen in the Showtime series Yellowjackets. The Terminal List will debut July 1 on Amazon Prime.
Steve Howey
San Antonio-born actor Steve Howey stars in an as-of-yet undisclosed main role opposite Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx (Ray) in the action-horror flick Day Shift. The movie follows a father (Foxx) who uses his regular job as a pool cleaner to hide the fact that he moonlights as a vampire hunter. The film also stars Dave Franco (The Disaster Artist) and Snoop Dogg (Baby Boy). Howey is best known for his roles in Reba and Shameless, the latter of which aired its 11th and final season last year. Day Shift debuts on Netflix August 12.
Find more film stories at sacurrent.com
*Participation varies. Pricing may not include sides, beverages, substitutes, or additions. Check with participating restaurants for details.
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A CHICAGO BITE $8 Gyro Cheeseburger One beef patie with lettuce, tomatoe, and cheese, topped with gyro meat. 2339 E. Evans Rd., Suite 106 | achicagobite.com | 210-481-4200
ALAMO BISCUIT $8 All Day Breakfast Burger
Beef patty, Hash brown, Sunny egg, Cheddar cheese, Ketchup, and Syrup 9630 Huebner Rd., Suite 103 | alamobiscuitco.com 210-265-5585
BABE’S OLD FASHIONED FOOD $8 BBQ Burger Bun, BBQ sauce, bacon, patty, swiss cheese, pickles, and onion. multiple locations | Babeshamburgers.com
BENJIES MUNCH $8 Retro Burger
1/2lb. house ground angus chuck with pickles, sautéed onions, and American cheese on a scratch made buttery toasted brioche bun. 1218 W. Bitters Rd. | Benjiesmunch.com | 210-556-8624
BIFF BUZBYS BURGERS $5 Queso Burger
1/2lb. burger with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles topped with queso. 12702 Toepperwein, Suite 130 | biffbuzbys.com | 210-590-2040
BIG’Z BURGER JOINT $8 Fiesta Burger
1/2lb. Angus beef burger topped with black bean and corn salsa, pepper jack cheese & chipotle cream drizzle. 2303 N. Loop 1604 | bigz-burgerjoint@sbcglobal.net | 210-408-2029
BURGER BOY $5 Double Boy
1/2lb. double meat burger dressed with mustard, lettuce, onions, tomatoes and pickles. multiple locations | burgerboysa.com
BURGERTECA $8 Blue Corn Frito Pie Burger
A layer of black beans with a burger patty, chorizo chili, and stone-ground blue corn chips, topped with our house chile con queso. 403 Blue Star, Suite 105 | chefjohnnyhernandez.com/restaurants/ burgerteca/burgerteca-southtown/ | 210-635-0016
CHRIS MADRIDS $5 Tostada Burger
Mama Madrid’s homemade refried beans, chips, onions & melted cheddar cheese. Top it off with freshly made salsa! 1900 Blanco Rd. | chrismadrids.com | 210-735-3552
CHEESY JANE’S $10 Cheesy Jane’s Burger
OCHO $8 Frita Cubana
THE GOOD NEWS BURGERS $5 #6 El Caliente
4200 Broadway St. | cheesyjanes.com | 210-826-0800
1015 Navarro St. | havanasanantonio.com/restaurant-and-bar/ocho/ | 210-222-2008
multiple locations | thegoodnewsburgers.com
COVER 3 $8 Jalapeno Ranch Smashburger
ORDERUP $5 San Antonio Beanburger Deluxe
1/3lb. burger with double cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and small fries. (Our beef is local, organic, grass fed, no hormones or preservatives)
Two jalapeño ranch-seasoned patties, pepper jack cheese, crispy jalapeño strips and ‘Gotcha Sauce.’ 1806 N. Loop 1604 W. | cover-3.com | 210-479-9700
DOG HAUS BIERGARTEN $8 Cheeseburger
White American cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion, and secret sauce. multiple locations | BanderaOaks.DogHaus.com
EARTH BURGER $8 The Ranchero Burger
1/4lb. Beyond Meat patty covered in cheese, topped with fried onions, pickles and Earth Burger’s chef curated BBQ Ranch. Multiple Locations | earthburger.com
GREEN VEGETARIAN CUISINE $8 The Big Nasty Green’s house-made chickpea veggie patty with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, with melted cheddar, grilled onions, fakin’ bacon, grilled mushrooms and chipotle mayo. multiple locations | eatatgreen.com
HOMETOWN BURGER $5 Hometown Burger’s BIG BOY
Stacked high with two 100% real beef patties, two slices of American cheese and a bunch of bacon with lettuce, tomato and pickles on a toasted bun. multiple locations | www.hometown-burger.com
LUCY COOPER’S ICE HOUSE $10 Dirty South Burger 16080 San Pedro | lucycoopers.com | 210-462-1894
The Frita Cubana is a double smash patty made of a mix of ground beef, chorizo, topped with Swiss cheese, spicy ketchup, pickled red onions, and shoestring fries. (not available on weekends)
Fresh ground beef patty, smashed black beans, tortilla chips, queso, pico, guacamole, jalapenos, chipotle mayo on buttered toasted buns.
Fresh grilled beef patty, seasoned to perfection with grilled Jalapeños and onions topped with melted pepper jack cheese, fresh green leaf lettuce and fresh tomato slice served on our buttered signature toasted buns
THE LONGHORN CAFE $8 The Chili Mac and Cheesy Burger
The Big Juicy with homemade Chili Mac, Fresh Salsa, mustard, onions, and crisp lettuce. multiple locations | thelonghorncafe.com
999 E Basse Rd. | orderup-sa.com | 210-824-9600
P. TERRY’S $5 The Egg Burger
Bun, egg, cheese, choice of patty, sausage, or bacon - make it spicy! MULTIPLE LOCATIONS | 512-451-9393
QUARRY HOFBRAU & BEERGARDEN $8 Smokestack Burger 1/2lb. Angus burger, house smoked chopped brisket, chedder and monterrey jack cheese, fried onion straws, BBQ aioli and pickles served on a brioche bun.
THE LOST BAR AND GRILL $8 The Lost Bar Burger
Get lost in a juicy 1/2lb. All-American angus burger, topped with crisp lettuce, fresh tomato and red onion on a rosette bun. Served with a side of house made french fries salted to perfection! 12730 NW Military Hwy. | thelostbarandgrill.com 210-437-4873
THE WELL $8 Mac the Burger
Our angus burger topped with our famous mac and cheese and bacon crumbles.
7310 Jones Maltsberger | quarryhofbrau.com | 210-248-9616
5539 UTSA Blvd. | thewellsanantonio.com | 210-877-9099
RIVER’S EDGE $8 Queso Fundido Burger
TRIPOLI’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILL & COFFEE SHOP $8 The Libyan
1/2 Brisket Burger, Grilled Peppers & Onions, Chorizo, Oaxaca Queso, Chile Toreado Aioli, Lettuce, Tomato, Toasted Bun 200 S Alamo St. | 210-270-0786
SANGRIA ON THE BURG $8 The Dirty Sanchez All beef patty with refried beans, pepper jack cheese, chorizo gravy, chili cheese fritos, and avocado aioli on toasted buns
5115 Fredericksburg Rd. | sangriaontheburg.com | 210-265-3763
THE DOGFATHER $8 Pop it like it ’s Hot
Mediterranean burger with 1/3lb. ground lamb patty infused with feta cheese on a pretzel bun layered with Tripoli’s garlic aioli, harissa, grilled vegetables, and feta cheese. Topped with an egg and finished with arugula. 322 Valley Hi Dr., Suite 106 | tripolissa.com | 210-645-4450
WAYBACK BURGERS $5 The Wayback Classic Classic never goes out of style. Two beef patties cooked-to-order, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, mustard, and the rich taste of America’s Favorite Ketchup® from Heinz®. 1723 N. Loop 1604 East Suite 108 | waybackburgers.com | 210-600-3336
44 Farms Angus Beef topped with Bacon, Fried Jalapeños & Cream Cheese, Smothered in Queso 6211 San Pedro Ave. | sadogfather.com | 210-481-4272
MARK’S OUTING $8 The Double Meat Bacon Burger
Crispy smoked bacon, two savory ground beef patties, American cheese, green leaf lettuce, juicy tomatoes, pickles, red onions, mayo and mustard on a toasted buttered bun.
THE JERK SHACK $8 The Official Burger
A Jerk seasoned burger topped with caramelized onion, Jerk Shack’s Official sauce, and American cheese. 10234 SH 151, Suite 103 | thejerkshacksatx.com | 210-776-7780
sacurrent.com | June 15 – 28, 2022 | CURRENT
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Rick Garcia
A Shot in the Dark
After a rash of mass shootings, San Antonio bars are eager to protect themselves and their patrons BY NINA RANGEL
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n Saturday, June 4, multiple shooters opened fire on Philadelphia’s South Street, a strip known for its nightlife, leaving three dead and 11 wounded. Mere hours later, a shooting outside a Mesa, Arizona bar left two people dead and two wounded, and gunfire at a Chattanooga, Tennessee nightclub killed three people and wounded 14. The recent spasm of gun violence outside drinking establishments hasn’t spared the Alamo City. On May 14 and May 16, respectively, shootings at San Antonio nightspots Sir Winston’s Pub and Hills and Dales Icehouse sent a total of three people to area hospitals after fistfights escalated into gunplay. With the nation also reeling from back-to-back mass shootings at Uvalde’s Robb Elementary School, a Buffalo, New York supermarket and a Tulsa, Oklahoma hospital, the string of gun violence has forced
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local bar staff to reckon with how to keep themselves and patrons safe. “I was so scared, I didn’t know what to do,” said Steve Peña, who was tending bar at longtime northeast San Antonio bar Sir Winston’s the night of the shooting. “All I knew was that I had to get people out of here.” During the first weekend in June, Peña, along with 10 other bar pros, attended an active-shooter training session at Sir Winston’s. Their objective: learn what to do when someone with a gun aims to do harm. “People with guns, violence — these things have been around forever. You throw alcohol into the mix, and that completely changes the equation,” Hidalgo County Senior Deputy Rick Garcia, the session’s trainer, told the Current. “The good thing about people in the service industry is that they’re very, very good at reading people. … Where the general public may
be a little bit more blind to it or not as intuitive. So, we have to be able to identify when these issues are amping up, fueled by emotion and alcohol, and we have to be able to have plans and protocols in place that we can immediately implement.” Building on his decades of military and law enforcement training, Garcia created the curriculum for Hidalgo County’s Active Shooter Awareness Program, which he’s exported to training sessions outside the county. So far, he’s taught the material to more than 50,000 civilians across Texas. Unlike other workplaces where he’s offered training — churches, schools and hospitals among them — bars and restaurants often lack the money to throw at extra security measures. During the training, the deputy recommended bar staff talk with coworkers about exit routes, know potential hiding places and preemptively designate a spot to meet after an evacuation. Should an attack occur, Garcia said, basic knowledge of stop-the-bleed techniques could be the difference between life or death for an employee or patron. “You’re not talking about businesses that can afford to say, ‘We’re going to implement this safety measure, and we’re going to install this type of door or alarm system, improve our video surveillance,’” Garcia said after the session. “The availability is just
food
not there for the solutions that we throw out there for other businesses.”
Armed with education Without those resources, the bars and nightclubs are best served by educating their workers on basic readiness, lock down and evacuation procedures, the deputy said. Local drinking establishments are apparently taking that to heart. A veritable Who’s Who of SA bar owners — Jody Newman of the Friendly Spot Ice House, Terrin Fuhrman of Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen, Justin Vitek of Hills and Dales Icehouse and Jessica Marinez of Picks Bar to name a few — are working with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office on educational materials to help nightspots prepare for active-shooter incidents. Once complete, the Friendly Spot’s Newman and friends will distribute the literature to local businesses so they can arm themselves with best practices and develop internal policies. “I am most proud of our local independent operators that are stepping up to say, ‘How do we protect our staff, our patrons and our neighborhoods from this uptick in violence?’” Newman said. “Those [businesses] that have the money can afford the experts. What about the businesses that can’t? How do we get them the information that will help them safely navigate violent incidents in their establishments?”
On-site heat Under Texas law, patrons can’t carry a firearm into an establishment that derives more than 51% of its revenue from the sale of alcohol for on-site consumption. Just entering without brandishing the weapon is a third-degree felony, punishable with two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. However, according to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, an employee who’s actively managing a 51% establishment can have access to a firearm for security purposes, either on their person or in an onsite safe or office. “That [section of the code] is the one that outlines, among other things, reasons for cancellation of a TABC permit. One of those is having a firearm on the premises,” said TABC spokesman Chris Porter. “One of the exceptions under that section is if they are a manager or some sort of authorized security service that’s duly licensed.” However, that exception to the rule is still subject to its own limitations. Brandishing the weapon “just for the heck of it” can be code violation that costs the business its license, Porter said. Last September, a new law passed by the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature made it legal for most people 21 or over — the legal drinking age in Texas, coincidentally — to openly carry a handgun in a holster without
Joseph Guillen
a permit. It eliminated the provision in the state’s previous open-carry law that people need to obtain a permit before they can pack. Texas passed its law banning firearms from bars in 1993, predating the new open-carry law by nearly 30 years. “The bar industry has fought for years for the ability to ban weapons from our establishments, and I think people don’t give the alcohol industry enough credit for that,” the Friendly Spot’s Newman said. “I mean, I know when the open-carry law changed, we started seeing grocery stores and all of these other places make it clear that you couldn’t bring a gun in. But the bar industry is decades ahead of that.”
‘What’s the choice? Is the choice to stay home and not to celebrate your friend’s birthday?’” she asked. “There has to be a better way than that.” In Deputy Garcia’s opinion, the choice for bar owners and employees is an easy one: prepare yourself and those around you. “Those intent on harming others know people are going to be [at bars], because they’re gathering places for the public,” he said during the training session at Sir Winston’s. “We can take the power away from them if we assess, discuss and implement well-conceived plans.”
‘There has to be a better way’
Gun violence is a subject that hits home for Newman. She and her family, including her husband and business partner Steve, witnessed the 2017 massacre at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay resort in which a lone gunman’s shooting rampage killed 58 people and injured hundreds more. Newman doesn’t regret scheduling the Vegas trip spent with her family, however harrowing it became. But she laments that the incident resulted in the deaths of people who were simply trying to enjoy a country music concert. Allowing the potential for mass shootings to keep us away from spending time with others and doing the things we love shouldn’t be an option. “When I think about some of these violent incidents that are happening, I wonder, Nina Rangel
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CURRENT | June 15 – 28, 2022 | sacurrent.com
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food ID Check
Two San Antonio clubs are shutting the door on younger patrons, but it’s still a small nightlife niche BY TRAVIS E. POLING
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n a recent Friday night, nightspot Horizons & More thrummed with youthful energy. The DJ spun music at a volume that defied conversation, and patrons strutted their dance moves with plenty of exuberance. At the Northeast San Antonio club, feeling youthful is just fine, assuming patrons are at least nine years removed from the rite of passage that is turning the drinking age of 21. Former city employee Toya Taylor opened Horizons & More in March as a 30-and-up nightclub, and it became immediately popular. Its calendar filled up with events and themed nights, and the partiers keep rolling in. Just two months later, the thriving north-of-Alamo Heights drinking destination Bentley’s Bar changed its admission age to 25 and up, even though its downtown sister bar Bentley’s Beer Garden still welcomes all above legal drinking age. While the owners of Bentley’s didn’t respond to a request for an interview about their decision to raise the age limit, Horizons & More’s Taylor said her call to block younger customers was based on experience. “If a bar is raising their age limits, they are having problems,” she said. In her time with the city, Taylor witnessed those kinds of problems — among them police calls for fights and other disturbances — and decided to nip them in the bud. As her club’s slogan goes, “The grown and mature come to play.” On that recent Friday, dozens of bikers from motorcycle clubs rubbed shoulders with older couples. Women dressed to the nines for a night on the town and a host of others bonded over a common goal: enjoying themselves without drama. Dee Montez, owner of food truck Dee’s Lao-Thai Food, has had a front-row seat to comings and goings at the 30-and-up club from just outside the front door. Customers stop by her mobile kitchen when they get hungry after an evening of revelry. “This is a more mature crowd,” Montez said. “They come here to party, not to cause trouble. They know what their limit is.” At closing time, Taylor talks to each person as they spill out the door. Most are regulars, and when they’re newcomers, she introduces herself and encourages them to come back. There are farewells instead of fights, handshakes and hugs instead of hassles. “Everyone respects me, and to me, it’s just like a family,” Taylor said.
Travis E Poling
With at least two San Antonio bars adopting higher admission ages in recent weeks, it could be easy to read the beginnings of a trend. But don’t be too quick to rush out and get a fake ID to prove you’re over 30. Few, if any, other SA bars have followed suit, and the number of places around the country with similar policies appears to be isolated. In 2016, a spate of articles in newspapers and even Food & Wine Magazine speculated that bars with higher drinking ages were shaping up to be a trend. Washington, D.C.’s Dew Drop Inn, for example, made headlines with a sign saying they welcomed the 24-and-up crowd. However, the bar later clarified that it wasn’t a prohibition on 21-year-olds, just a way to discourage underage university students from flashing fake IDs. Reports also percolated about Long Island, New York bar Kasey’s Kitchen & Cocktails, which required men to be 30 and up to get a stiff drink, while women could be no younger than 25. Just up the road at Phil’s Crummy Corner in Brooklyn, the admission age on weekend nights for the Puerto Rican restaurant and sports bar went to 25 after neighborhood noise complaints. But those isolated anecdotes didn’t lead to a groundswell of nightspots imposing new age limits. San Antonio pubs and clubs, which have rebounded mightily since Texas Governor Greg Abbott allowed bars to reopen, aren’t flocking to the idea. Most appear happy to make up for lost time after the worst
Patrons 30 and over gather at San Antonio nightspot Horizons & More for adult beverages and adult company.
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of the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be behind us. Indeed, alcohol sales in Bexar County bars and restaurants increased 37% to $75.63 million in April compared to the same month last year, according to a report for the Texas Bar & Nightclub Alliance by AlcoholSales.com. Bar industry vets also point out that many establishments who want to court an older crowd already do that without imposing new age limits. They can appeal to mature patrons with the music they play, their event selections, prices, dress codes and security policies. Meanwhile, Horizons patrons seemed comfortable with a door policy spelling this out more explicitly. Regular Bryant Walker said he’s been going to the club since it opened and enjoys both the energy and having the ability to kick back on the patio with a cigar. He said he’s not eager for twentysomething revelers to cramp his style. “They are young and when you add liquor to it, and they ain’t lived none?” Bryant shook his head. “In my opinion [with 30 and over], it’s just safer. I’m just more comfortable.” sacurrent.com | June 15 – 28, 2022 | CURRENT
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food
OPENINGS Chef Alejandro Paredes has launched Lonja Square night market in the patio area of his Carnitas Lonja and Fish Lonja businesses. 1107 Roosevelt Ave. Iconic Portland-based chain Voodoo Doughnut will open its first San Antonio store in the Playland Pizza site sometime this year.
Summer Spirits
Instagram / @Garrison Brothers
These three Texas-made liquors are a perfect addition to hot-weather drinks BY NINA RANGEL
S
corching Texas summers cry out for liquid refreshment. Yes, iced tea, aguas frescas and even frosty soft drinks can help extinguish the heat, but when there’s alcohol involved? Even better. As we slip into another sweltering season, try these three approachable and affordable Texas-made spirits that will elevate your summer sipping, whether you’re poolside — or just wishing you were.
Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka
Texas has a longstanding rep as a whiskey- and tequila-drinking state, but we sure do appreciate our sun tea when summertime rolls around. Deep Eddy’s Sweet Tea Vodka builds on that venerable tradition by adding notes of lemon, dried fig and honey. Mix it with water or lemonade — spiked Arnold Palmer, anyone? — for a river-worthy libation. Add mint or cucumber if you’re feeling saucy.
Derel Spirits Gold Rum
A good rum is the base for many a tiki-style cocktail, and Derel Spirits’ Gold Rum is an affordable option for those looking to dabble in fruity punches and exotic island vibes. Derel’s take on the sugarcane-derived spirit offers
notes of dry vanilla, ginger and toasted almond, which play nicely with sweet fresh fruit juices. Beginners attempting to make rum punch at home should keep this rhyme in mind: “One of Sour, Two of Sweet, Three of Strong, Four of Weak.” That means, add one part lime juice, two of sweetener such as simple syrup or agave, three of rum and four of fruit juice, seltzer or soda. Scale up your measurements for an easy and shareable punch suitable for a pool party or backyard barbecue.
San Antonio’s first Nékter Juice Bar is now serving juices, smoothies and açaí bowls in Alamo Heights. 5920 Broadway, (210) 467-5036, nekterjuicebar.com. Coffee-and-vinyl shop Vice Versa is now serving and spinning at historic St. Paul Square. 123 Heiman St., instagram.com/viceversa.sanantonio. Fast-casual chain Hawaiian Bros Island Grill will open its first San Antonio store this summer in the suburb of Live Oak. 7929 Pat Booker Road, hawaiianbros.com. New tea and coffee bar R + R Collective Co. is now open in Southtown, offering coffee, tea, vintage clothing, houseplants, wellness products and organic herbs in bulk. 1010 S. Flores St., #123, (210) 888-1100, rrcollectiveco.com. San Antonio’s latest all-you-can-eat sushi spot, Umiya, is now open on the city’s far Northwest side. 11075 I-10 West, #200, (210) 45500299. “American tavern” Double Standard is now open inside downtown’s Rand Building. 114 E. Hous-
ton St., (210) 977-0005, doublestandardsatx.com.
NEWS The owners of live music venue Picks Bar have signed a lease to revive downtown’s defunct Davenport Lounge. 203 N. Presa St. New South Texas-focused restaurant Carriqui will take over the historic Pearl-area building that once housed Liberty Bar. 239 E. Grayson St. Bandera Brewery and more than 80 other Texas craft-beer businesses staged a festival that raised more than $43,000 in support of Uvalde’s Robb Elementary Memorial Fund. The Jerk Shack is now offering Sunday brunch with an island twist, including sweet potato and cream cheese-stuffed French toast. 10234 TX-151, (210) 776-7780, thejerkshacksatx.com. Longtime favorite Sazon Mexican Café will move to a new, larger location featuring a full bar and patio dining next month. The original restaurant will close. 10015 Potranco Road (new address), sazonmexicancafesa.com, (210) 256-1500. Upcoming mixed-use project The Creamery will house multiple food and nightlife concepts, including a seafood restaurant, a rooftop lounge and a “1980s speakeasy.” 875 E. Ashby St. A new pet-friendly bar and music venue dubbed Hidden Grove will open in the San Antonio suburb of Schertz this summer with an outdoorsy vibe. 539 Main St., Schertz.
Garrison Brothers Honey Dew Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Whiskey lovers won’t let the summer heat steer them away from their sauce of choice, and this wildflower honey-infused bourbon may be just the ticket for folks looking to temper the whiskey burn with something a little more suited to the season. This award-winning small-batch bourbon is infused with Burleson’s Texas Wildflower Honey, which gives the spirit tasting notes of black pepper, cardamom and apricot. The honey flavors also add oomph to simple cocktails such as the seasonally appropriate Summer Breeze — orange liqueur, bourbon and ginger ale. Instagram / Voodoo Doughnut
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CURRENT | June 15 – 28, 2022 | sacurrent.com
food Two Tastes of Italy
Pearl-adjacent Italian eateries Arrosta and Allora are markedly different, but both have their charms BY RON BECHTOL
E
arlier this year, restaurateur Pete Selig enlivened the ground floors of two new Pearl-adjacent buildings with a pair of Italian-adjacent restaurants, recruiting familiar local chefs to oversee each. Arrosta, the more casual of two eateries, is housed in the squattier of the structures and helmed by Chris Carlson, most recently of Selig’s Maverick Texas Bistro. Allora, the more upscale sibling, has taken up residence in the Oxbow Building and counts on the talents of peripatetic chef Robbie Nowlin, whose recent postings include not just San Antonio’s Zinc and The Hotel Valencia but Napa Valley’s revered French Laundry. To build my dining visits to a crescendo worthy of an Italian opera, I started with Arrosta and its porchetta-stuffed ciabatta. Stewed bell peppers and melty provolone accompanied the roasted pork bracketed between appropriately crusty bread. It was a good sandwich and an even better introduction to the restaurant. The menu’s crushed fried potatoes with an abundance of green herbs and an almost-embarrassment of olive oil and salt made a good side. Don’t order the bland and porridge-like polenta with mascarpone, however, unless you also have in mind a plate that comes with the arrestingly zingy salsa verde, which was great mixed into the polenta or dabbed onto the potatoes. The menu’s one other stuffed ciabatta takes a hollowed-out crusty roll and plumps it up with a trove of baby meatballs bathed in marinara. The combo is augmented by a slab of melted provolone and inundated with shaved parmesan. Served with excellent house-made potato chips, it’s also a pretty good sandwich, if less complex than the porchetta. Consider having the appealing broccolini salad as well, just be warned that it’s more of a creamy potato salad with bacon (or maybe pancetta), red onion and walnuts that happens to boast some branches of broccolini. Less successful was the panzanella salad, in which the bread component didn’t get enough time to marinate in the dressing. A quarter “crispy and juicy” — and also herby — roasted chicken is one of only two carne arrostite offerings on the slender menu, and it lives up to its description, especially when anointed with that aromatic salsa verde. I didn’t try any of the salads, in part because none really appealed. I also wasn’t impressed by the cold panini offerings that included a Louisiana-Italian “muffaleta” (sic). My first impression was that there’s not enough of interest on this menu to bring me back in spite of generally good execution. With one exception, however. And that’s the
exquisitely simple affogato, a brilliant blending of near-bitter hot espresso and creamy gelato. As an afternoon indulgence, it’s Italy in a small but potent glass. Especially if paired with a donut-like bombolino filled with limoncello cream. As befits sister restaurant Allora’s larger footprint and fancier finish-out, complete with Tuscan tones, its menu is also substantially more complex. Among the antipasti, a standout offering was the popular Spanish tapa of silvery boquerones, or white anchovies, served on bruschetta with a vibrant pistachio pesto. Even if you claim to be an anchovy antagonist, give these a try. Playing Italian Baroque to the anchovies’ pristine classicism was the olive-brined grilled octopus, an aggressively chargrilled tangle of tentacles enlivened with a chunky romesco sauce and augmented by a cohort of crispy, small potatoes. It was impressive and irresistible. Sashimi cohabits with Italian and Mexican influences on the menu’s compelling “crudi” selections. Although we only tried the impeccably fresh sea bass served with a pistachio pesto, olive oil and a hint of mint, it was refreshingly unfussy. The culturally curious might want to give the fluke tartare a try. It’s prepared in an aguachile style and served with cubed parmesan panna cotta, no less. Based on the first courses we sampled, a case could be made for simply ordering a selection of pastas and a bottle of rustic, Italian red such as the brilliant Surrau from Sardinia or the earthy Graci from the slopes of Sicily’s Mount Etna and calling it a day. Orecchiette with pistachio pesto, a recurring motif, were bright and light. However, “Ravioli alla Amatriciana” (sic — for the fastidious, Italian orthography doesn’t appear to be Allora’s thing) was weighed down by a colorful but dense spinach filling even though the silky pasta offered redemption. Tagliatelle alla Bolognese in Bianco featured not only beauti-
Ron Bechtol
ful, broad pasta but also an admirably restrained meat sauce with white wine and carrots. No tomato needed. Allora calls itself “coastal Italian,” yet the seafood secondi proved universally disappointing. At an earlier visit, the swordfish emerged overcooked, under-seasoned and unsalvaged by a black lime tomato sauce. More recently, flounder with whole hazelnuts and brown butter was properly cooked but essentially tasteless. The mussels were merely adequate despite their bath in white wine with preserved lemon. Now off the menu, a bold rabbit leg confit with smoked white beans was an early favorite, standing in sharp contrast to the seafood. A bone-in pork chop with cipollini onions ran a distant second. Wherever onions appeared on the menu, they were excellent, but nowhere more so than with the charred — right up to the edge of incinerated, actually — cauliflower served with a jammy onion confit studded with wine-marinated sultana raisins. Continuing with the side dishes, fried chickpeas came with more cipollini and a bold amatriciana sauce larded with guanciale, or maybe pancetta. And crispy potatoes with espelette pepper flakes and balsamic butter could be ordered by the bucketful. No room for dessert after all this? Maybe just a piccolo pistachico gelato — there’s that nut again — with a modest shortbread cookie. How bad can that be? Note to early-evening diners: Though not easy to escape, the western sun blasts the space from around 6 p.m. to near sunset. Try for a seat out of the glare, or pack sunglasses as some diners did.
ARROSTA
ALLORA
1803 Broadway, Suite 101 | arrostapearl.com | (210) 979-9950
403 Pearl Parkway | Allorapearl.com | (210) 979-9950
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m.-
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 5-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 5-11 p.m.;
6:30 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.
Best bets: Arrosta is the casual, morning to mid-afternoon sorella to
Best bets: Allora boasts Italian coastal cuisine in a Tuscan-toned
fancier Allora. Check it out for simple breakfast offerings along with
setting with an olive-brined roasted octopus as the best of the lot.
lunchtime stuffed sandwiches, platters with roasted pork or chicken,
Smaller plates such as boquerones and striped bass with pistachio
sides such as crushed fried potatoes or broccolini potato salad, or
and mint were also standouts. Pastas prevail in small-plate form, too.
the leafier Artisanal Salad. The stuffed ciabatta with meatballs or
Try the spinach-stuffed ravioli amatriciana, the excellent pistachio
porchetta, roasted chicken, crushed fried potatoes and affogato all
pesto-adorned orecchiette or the equally satisfying tagliatelle in
warrant a try.
Bolognese bianco sauce. Don’t forget to check out side dishes such as the baroquely adorned roasted cauliflower. Excellent Italian wines dominate the list. sacurrent.com | June 15 – 28, 2022 | CURRENT
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music Courtesy Photo / Max and Iggor Calavera
Viva Max!
And I’m not just saying that because you’re in Texas.
Sepultura frontman Max Cavalera revisits early material for San Antonio show with his brother Iggor BY MIKE MCMAHAN
T
he word “legend” gets thrown around a lot these days, but a musician who has truly earned the title is extreme metal pioneer Max Cavalera, who will appear at San Antonio’s Rock Box on Thursday, June 23. Singer-guitarist Cavalera pioneered a sound that was equal parts death metal and thrash metal with his first band Sepultura, which roared to international success out of its home country of Brazil in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Seputura albums such as Beneath The Remains and Arise became staples of early extreme metal. But by the time Sepultura released Roots in 1996 — which became a foundation of nu-metal — things had run their course and Cavalera chose to leave the band after the supporting tour. He’s stayed active since in a variety of projects, most prominently Soulfly and Killer Be Killed. Cavalera has now lived in the U.S. for three
decades. But while you can take the boy out of Brazil, you can’t take Brazil out of the boy. His music remains rooted in his home country, and he’s revisiting his early years with his current tour, which also features his brother and fellow Seputura alum Iggor Cavalera, who left the band in 2006, on drums. The road dates will focus on songs from both Beneath and Arise. Tech-grinders Cephalic Carnage and stoner-metal practitioners Healing Magic will kick off the San Antonio show. We talked to Max Cavalera from his home in Arizona via Zoom, and he reflected on his work with Iggor and those early albums. The interview was edited for clarity and length.
Do you have any memories of San Antonio or Texas that you’d like to share?
I love Texas. Every time we’re on tour, you can tell you’re in Texas. Everything changes. The vibe changes. The shows get better (laughs).
Let’s talk about Beneath The Remains and Arise. What made you dive into those records now?
There’s not really a rhyme or reason to it. We just do it. We started with Roots, the last record I recorded with Sepultura. For this tour, we are playing more of the records than we did on [the Roots tour]. We are only leaving two songs out, so we’re playing about 90% of each record. There’s some stuff that we never even played before like “Under Siege (Regnum Irae),” “Sarcastic Existence” and “Lobotomy.” I think that’s exciting for the fans. It took 30 years, but we’re finally gonna do it.
In your memoir My Bloody Roots you talk about candomblé, the religion that your mother practiced. You wrote about your first gig, and that you felt “possessed” by the music. And you had previously mentioned that possession is a component of candomblé. How did your mother’s religion influence your music?
There’s definitely an element there. The possession thing that I felt at our first show was something I could not really understand and still, to this day, I don’t fully understand how it happens. But in the music itself, if you have
Reminder:
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CURRENT | June 15 – 28, 2022 | sacurrent.com
Text 210.781.2435
music
Katelyn Earhart
something in it that can transport you mentally into a possessed state of mind — and that’s some strong shit, man — I love that. Because I experienced that through my mother’s religion, because I saw people being possessed when they were doing their blessings and their rituals, [I know] there’s a connection there. Metal music is connected to the spiritual world. There’s more to it than people think. I don’t want to sound too dramatic, but in a certain way, to be at a metal show does feel like a religious experience, a spiritual experience. It’s so powerful that it can take you to a different world, kind of. It really is the unknown of metal. A lot of the old Sepultura stuff, there were parts of songs that I remember writing and saying, “Oh, man, when we play this live, I’m gonna lose my shit!” I was not responsible for my actions. I was like a possessed animal on the stage, you know? Many people — to this day — talk to me like we made friends or became family. I hear from them, “Max, you’re so nice and you’re so mellow, what was that I just saw on the stage? That’s a different guy! You’re completely different from that.” If I was the person I am at home on the stage, it wouldn’t last five seconds.
The most boring show ever. But it’s What happened was one of those not that. We do have the things, we do things you have no control over. It was have the tools, the riffs, the parts, the a free show, so anybody could come. breakdowns, the fast parts, all that stuff Most of the people were there to have a that can make you feel the possession good time, to enjoy the music. Sepulcome to life. I love that. That’s a good tura was becoming extremely popular question. I haven’t been asked that at that time. We were celebrating our before. I want people to be aware of record Arise. But there were some bad my mom’s religion elements, some skinand the connection heads with different I had through that. ideas, and they came The hardest thing to to the shows with axes $30.50-$35, explain to somebody is and guns. Actually, 8 p.m., Rock Box, what the music does to the kid that died was you. For every person, cut open by an axe. 1223 E. Houston St., it’s a different feeling. The whole thing is so (210) 255-3833, To me, it’s almost brutal. If you could put therockboxsa.com. like music becomes me in a time machine so many things. It and I could change becomes a weapon. It’s one thing, I would something you can use have visited the kid’s on an everyday basis to fight the world, family and maybe have tried to bond you know? Everything negative that with them. Maybe have tried to give people throw at you. them some encouragement. I don’t know. You still feel pretty guilty about it even though it’s not really your fault. An audience member was murdered You really had nothing to do with it, during the tour for Arise. but it happened during your show. It’s Yeah, it was a free show in Brazil. kind of one of those moments in life. We went on tour, I think, the day after. Does that event occurring after the We flew to Europe and the newspamusic was written, recorded and pers pretty much totally destroyed us, released change your perspective?
Max Calavera belts it out during a 2021 performance by Soulfly at San Antonio’s Vibes Event Center. His latest tour reunites him with his brother Iggor.
M
made us look like the worst. They find a scapegoat, and Sepultura was the scapegoat for that kid’s death. They blame it all on the music. Society has to find a culprit. Sometimes playing something like “Orgasmatron” — which was the song that we ended up shooting as a video from that concert — or when I watch images from that video, it brings me back to that time, you know? But at the end of the day, those songs were just really fun to play. They just really are. It’s even more fun now than it was before. There’s two cool things about it: playing for young kids that never saw that. And then you also connect with older guys, our-age kinda guys who will be like (adopts caveman tone), “I was there back in the day, and it was better back then than it is now.” Current freelancer Enrique Bonilla contributed to this report. sacurrent.com | June 15 – 28, 2022 | CURRENT
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music listings
Failure Courtesy Photo Failure
Wednesday, June 15
Friday June 17
Saturday, June 18
Failure Failure’s most recent release Wild Type Droid is said to mark the end of its space-themed alt-rock sound. Formed in Los Angeles in the early ’90s, the band rose to acclaim with the 1996 release Fantastic Planet. Shortly after, the group contributed a guitar-forward cover of Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy the Silence” that was said to be the preferred version by one of the synth-pop act’s founding members, Andy Fletcher, who died last month. $22$25, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx. com. — Danny Cervantes
Mourning Sun The Alamo City’s Mourning Sun delivers a fiery form of metalcore that’s won a following thanks to the band’s hard gigging. Established in 2017, Mourning Sun released the five-track EP Therapy Sessions the same year. Since then, it’s racked up countless shows around the state with high-profile metal acts including The Devil Wears Prada, The Plot In You and Like Moths to Flames. $10-$15, 6 p.m., Rock Box, 1223 E. Houston St., (210) 772-1453, therockboxsa.com. — DC
Destroy Boys Just because they’re a female-fronted act with raging songs about not being what society expects them to be, don’t pigeonhole Destroy Boys as a riot grrrl band. Don’t even let their name fool you into that. These youngsters are just trying to get through life without being the constant subject of the male gaze, and they’re determined to tell everyone how they really feel over buzzsaw punk guitars. $17-$19, 8 p.m., Rock Box, 1223 E. Houston St., (210) 772-1453, therockboxsa.com. — BE
Mothership, High Desert Queen and more Dallas-based heavy rock trio Mothership has been riffing and tripping for more than a decade now. In addition to this Alamo City stop, the band is playing shows with sludge pioneers Crowbar later this month and will do two sets at metal-and-more fest Psycho Las Vegas. All to be expected, given the band’s rep for searing live shows dripping with fuzzed-out, mind-melting rock. The bill is rounded out by fellow riff wranglers High Desert Queen, Bastardane and Red Beard Wall. $8, Amp Room, 2407 N. St. Mary’s, (210) 320-2122, theamproom.com. — Enrique Bonilla
Rings of Saturn, Extortionist and more Bay Area technical deathcore outfit Rings of Saturn is making an SA stop on the second date of its month-long C¥ber $hred Tour. The band is also hot off a remake of its ground-shattering 2010 debut release Embryonic Anomaly, which propelled it to the front of the extreme metal pack. For more than 13 years, Rings of Saturn has toured extensively and landed releases in the Billboard Top 100 — no small feat for any act but especially for one playing such punishing music. Extortionist, Distinguish, Loser and Matt Miller kick off the show. $20-$22, 6:30 p.m., Vibes Underground, 1223 E. Houston St., (210) 255-3833, facebook. com/vibeseventcenter. — EB
Joe Reyes Although local mainstay Joe Reyes is all over the musical map, this summer evening set will highlight his solo acoustic work. Reyes made a mark nationally as half of the flamenco duo Lara & Reyes. Since then, he’s been a member of quirky art rockers Buttercup as well as the offshoot Demitasse, both featuring local singer-songwriter Erik Sanden. Free, 6:30 p.m., The Cove, 606 W. Cypress St., (210) 227-2683, thecove.us. — Mike McMahan
Thursday June 16 Sister Hazel If you looked up “ubiquitous 1997 pop music,” along with the Spice Girls, Third Eye Blind and the Notorious B.I.G., you’d likely find Sister Hazel, whose “All For You” was damned near inescapable that year. After forming in Gainesville, Florida in 1993, the group hit it big with Universal’s re-release of ...Somewhere More Familiar. More than 20 years later, the band continues to release new material, supported by the loyal following of its “Hazelnuts.” Zach Walther opens. $25-$30, 8 p.m., Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com. — DC
Wildermiss Wildermiss may have the veneer of hippie-dippy indie pop, but enough heartfelt moments emerge throughout its catalog to suggest the band doesn’t see everything as sunshine and rainbows. The group hails from the legal weed mecca of Colorado, which may explain why their songs are so upbeat. Striving to make their music videos as quirky as they are, the band even recorded their traveling live show on the back of a trailer attached to a pickup truck. Free with RSVP, 9:30 p.m., The Rustic, 17619 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 204, (210) 245-7500, therustic.com. — Brianna Espinoza
Nothing More San Antonio hard rockers Nothing More are making their second-to-last stop in a 27-date tour in their hometown. The band turned 20 this year and may be racking up its biggest year yet, which includes a headlining tour with Atreyu and Eva Under Fire as openers. The group also released two singles that are buzzing in the alternative scene right now. $36-$61, 6:35 p.m., Tech Port Arena, 3331 General Hudnell Drive, (210) 600-3699, techportcenter.com. — EB sacurrent.com | June 15 – 28, 2022 | CURRENT
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CURRENT | June 15 – 28, 2022 | sacurrent.com
music listings
Robert Earl Keen
Destroy Boys Courtesy Photo Destroy Boys
Courtesy Photo Robert Earl Keen
Tuesday, June 21 Boz Scaggs Classic rocker Boz Scaggs’ latest Out of the Blues tour supports his latest — and 19th studio album — which bears the same name. Although Scaggs is better known for his easygoing ’70s staples “Lido Shuffle” and “Lowdown,” his latest record hit No. 1 the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart upon release. Despite the album’s title, the tracks take the listener into the blues through arrangements that are unpredictable and fresh for a well-worn genre. $39.50-$249, 7:30 p.m., Tobin Center for Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org. — EB
Wednesday, June 22 Colbie Caillat Though a veteran performer at this point, Colbie Caillat’s 2007 breakthrough hit “Bubbly” remains a fan favorite. Her debut album from the same year COCO went double platinum after she rose to prominence via social media pioneer MySpace. Caillat engages audiences for her live show with a storytelling style mixed with hits including “I Do” and “Favorite Song.” She also happens to be the daughter of Ken Caillat, who co-produced a little Fleetwood Mac album called Rumours, which might explain her knack for crowd-pleasing tunes. $35.50-$150, 7:30 p.m., Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, 226 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 226-3333, majesticempire.com. — MM Keshi Sensual falsetto vocals and delicate guitar melodies pair with lo-fi beats in Texas native Keshi’s slow-riding music. Not only is Keshi a singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer, but he also worked as an oncology nurse for two years and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. Not a shabby resume for someone who’s managed to come so far in the music game. $40.25-$91, 8 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s, (210) 8124355, theaztectheatre.com. — BE
Friday June 24
Steve Earle & The Dukes Never one to shy from politics, expect the San Antonio-raised Steve Earle to have a lot to say about the state of the world when he swings back into town backed by his longtime band The Dukes. The Americana pioneer burst onto the scene in the ’80s with the critically acclaimed LP Copperhead Road but followed that with a long descent into drugs and booze that paralleled that of his most overt inspiration, Townes Van Zandt. By the time Earle had survived a standoff with a SWAT team and a prison sentence, he emerged as one of the key songwriters of his generation. Earle released Jerry Jeff earlier this year, a collection of covers from late singer-songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker. $52.50, 8 p.m., Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, (830) 606-1281, gruenehall.com. — MM Randall King Rising country traditionalist Randall King evokes the sounds of influences including George Strait, Alan Jackson and John Anderson. The West Texas native’s Warner Music Nashville debut Shot Glass was just named one of Billboard’s 50 Best Albums of 2022 (So Far). In addition, King co-wrote “The Road I’m On” with Garth Brooks in 2020 after opening for the mega-star in a COVD lockdown-era concert streamed to drive-in theaters. $25-$100, 7:45 p.m., John T. Floore’s Country Store, 14492 Old Bandera Road, (210) 695-8827, liveatfloores.com. — DC
Saturday, June 25 Nekromantix Going back to the days of the Cramps, there’s been a substantial crossover between death rock and rockabilly crowds, and Nekromantix have long straddled that line with its backbeat-infused songs about blood and the undead. The band hasn’t released any new material in a few years, so show up expecting to hear the creepy classics. Of course, they’ll bring the upright coffin bass that’s been a longtime staple in their shows. $20$22, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx. com. — BE
Robert Earl Keen Over the span of his career, Robert Earl Keen has released 18 full-length albums, had his songs covered by artists including George Strait and emerged as a Texas country mainstay. While we may have to wait six months for Keen to embark on his annual Christmas tour, those looking for something other than yuletide twang can catch this summer trek where he’ll sing songs about his front porch, the Lone Star State and that road that goes on forever while the party never ends. $49.50, 8 p.m., Whitewater Amphitheater, 11860 FM 306, New Braunfels, (830) 964-3800, whitewaterrocks.com. — BE Peelander Yellow Described by wine-bar Little Death as “cool as fuck,” Japanese-born-and-educated musician Peelander Yellow — an Austin-based member of long-running Japanese American punk act Peelander-Z — is slated to perform an acoustic set, whatever that entails. Yellow is a visual artist known for murals, paintings and other designs. At the risk of stating the obvious, many of his works incorporate — you guessed it — the color yellow. Free, 8 p.m., Little Death, 2327 N. Saint Mary’s St., (210) 264-6472, littledeathwine.com. — MM Exit Stage Left Tribute acts have grown in both popularity and number as musical legends get long in the tooth or depart this earthly domain. Regrettably, Canadian prog trio Rush is among the bands to have lost a member — RIP Neil Peart — which means SA-based tribute band Exit Stage Left may be as close as many of us are going to get these days. Fortunately, the members have the chops to pull it off. Guitarist Ron Jarzombek was a member of prog-metal group Watchtower, whose influence far outstripped its popularity, while vocalist Amanda Carey can hit the inhuman high notes of Rush frontman Geddy Lee and sound good doing it. $10-$80, 7 p.m., Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com. — MM
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CURRENT | June 15 – 28, 2022 | sacurrent.com