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in this issue San Antonio Current

Issue 18_23 /// Nivember 06-19, 2019

Publisher: Michael Wagner Editor-in-Chief: Sanford Nowlin

Editorial

Food & Nightlife Editor: Lea Thompson Calendar Editor: Kelly Merka Nelson Contributing Arts Editor: Bryan Rindfuss Staff Writer: Chris Conde Digital Content Editor: Sarah Martinez Contributors: Ron Bechtol, Daniel Conrad, James Courtney, Jade Esteban Estrada, Dan R. Goddard, Lance Higdon, Steven G. Kellman, Hannah Lorence, Kiko Martinez, M. Solis, Gary Sweeney Editorial Interns: Diana Amaya, Brianna Espinoza, Georgie Riggs

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Chief Executive Officer: Andrew Zelman Chief Operating Officers: Chris Keating, Michael Wagner VP of Digital Services: Stacy Volhein Creative Director: Tom Carlson Digital Operations Coordinator: Jaime Monzon Senior Marketing and Events Director: Cassandra Yardeni Director of Digital Sales: Fran DiCarlo 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) 227-0044 / Fax - (210) 227-7755 Display Advertising: (210) 227-0044 Fax: (210) 227-7733 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.

26 Guitar Heroes

Jaime Munzon

San Antonio’s growing group of custom instrument builders produce one-of-kind axes that can sell for thousands — or just scratch a creative itch BY S A N F O R D N O W L I N

09 News

City Scrapes

As San Antonio Contemplates a Pricy Transportation Plan It Should Remember the Street of Broken Dreams

Glitter Political

Rebeca Martinez Balances a Sense of Humor with a Desire to Inspire Confidence in the Judiciary

One Texan Down

Julián Castro beat the odds by staying in the presidential race longer than Beto O’Rourke. How much longer will the former SA mayor hold on?

Suit Alleges Texas Military Housing Is Making Residents Sick

16 Calendar

Calendar Picks Art Pick

26 Arts

Checking In

San Antonio’s Historic Hotels provides a vintage portrait of Alamo City lodging

37 Screens Mind Tricks

Nostalgia plays a terrifying role in the Stephen King-adapted horror sequel Doctor Sleep

Spain vs. South Korea

International Oscar frontrunners Pain & Glory and Parasite open this week in SA

She Tastes Like Music

Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson drops a captivating new album

Music Listings

56 Etc

Crossword Puzzle

39 Food

Downhome but Not Distinct

Ida Claire’s Southern fare is fine — but nothing exceptional

The Take Away:

Elisabeth Forsythe Has Made Her Mark on San Antonio’s Bar Scene

Table Talk Small Plates

45 Music

Spiced-Up Soul

Local music vets pay faithful tribute to San Antonio’s Westside Sound

Flipper and the Avengers Bringing Seminal Punk Sounds to the Paper Tiger

On The Cover: This custom guitar by James Roadman is one of many produced by San Antonio-area instrument builders. Photo: Jaime Monzon. Cover design: Melissa McHenry. sacurrent.com | November 6-19, 2019 | CURRENT

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CITY SCRAPES

As San Antonio Contemplates a Pricy Transportation Plan It Should Remember the Street of Broken Dreams BY HEYWOOD SANDERS Editor’s Note: The following is City Scrapes, a column of opinion and analysis.

hen I’m teaching at UTSA’s downtown campus and need to illustrate the potential pitfalls of urban economic development, all I have to do is point across the street, to the university’s Monterey Building and the Frank Wing Municipal Court Building to make my point. Or perhaps straight down. Frio Street, after all, is San Antonio’s boulevard of broken dreams, a physical monument to decades of overblown rhetoric, market realities and public policy failures. It was front-page news in early January 1980 when Vice President Walter Mondale, visiting San Antonio, announced the approval of an $18.8 million grant to revitalize the Vista Verde South area on the near west side of downtown. Mondale was expansive about the project’s promise, describing almost $70

million in new private investment that was to come to the area, after demolishing the remnants of the city’s former red light district. And with that investment there would be the creation of at least 1,700 new jobs, many of them aimed at San Antonio’s unemployed or low-income workers. The centerpiece of the development would be a new manufacturing plant for Control Data Corp., among the nation’s premier mainframe computer firms. Even before the grant was announced, city officials were touting plans for Control Data’s investment, with then councilman Henry Cisneros promising the project would “eventually employ 2,000 people and train hard-core unemployed.” Control Data’s first commitment was a plant at 515 South Frio St. for its Magnetic Peripherals subsidiary, making computer hard drives, which opened in mid-1981. Shortly after came a larger plant for Control Data just up the street, at 401 South Frio St. Then the com-

news

Collection of Heywood Sanders

puter company built one of its Business and Technology Centers, a small business incubator, in 1985. The success of Vista Verde South — and Henry Cisneros — drew national attention. A March 1983 article in the New York Times, “San Antonio Steps Out of Texas Shadows and Leaps for a High Tech Future,” reported on the city’s new electronics plants, including Advanced Micro Devices, Farinon and Tandy in addition to Control Data. “There are plans to expand the [Control Data] plant to 1,000 employees, although Mr. Cisneros is urging 2,000,” the article noted. But problems began to appear soon after. Control Data announced it was selling the Magnetic Peripherals plant to local company Texas Mil-Tronics in August 1985. Two years later, Control Data put its main plant at 401 South Frio up for sale and effectively abandoned San Antonio. The company couldn’t find any buyers, so in March 1989 the city purchased the plant and adjacent land for use either as a new site for Alamo Iron Works — displaced by the Alamodome — or a new municipal courthouse. And, so, the factory was turned into the Municipal Courts building. The Magnetic Peripherals plant was also purchased by the city for use as SAPD’s Central Patrol Substation. As for the Business and Technology Center, it was ultimately bought by UTSA as the new home for its College of Architecture. Then there was the Fiesta Plaza shopping mall, memorialized by the Los Angeles Times in 1992 as the “Pink Elephant Cisneros Can’t Forget.” “Weeds are pushing up through the broken asphalt of the parking lot,” the Times wrote, “and written on one wall is a now-fading word once meant to express hope for the failed project and impoverished neighborhood behind it: ‘Ole.’” The article went on to quote local newspaper columnist Rick Casey’s observation that problems with the project were evident from the start: “Those problems were ignored because of political imperative… Henry wanted to have this showcase on the near west side.” The Fiesta Plaza site is today the home of UTSA’s downtown campus. There are a host of lessons to be learned from Vista Verde South. The grand visions and promises of local politicos often don’t work as planned. Big public investment deals that require public money up front need to be carefully analyzed and vetted with full public involvement. “Political imperatives” invariably come up against market realities — and when they do the market wins. Today, as we talk about a grand vision for transportation improvements with a very large price tag, pressed by many of the same players in the Vista Verde saga, San Antonio would do well to recognize and learn from those lessons. Heywood Sanders is a professor of public policy at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Find more newsmore coverage Find news every day at sacurrent.com

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Jade Esteban Estrada

GLITTER POLITICAL

Rebeca Martinez Balances a Sense of Humor with a Desire to Inspire Confidence in the Judiciary BY JADE ESTEBAN ESTRADA

’m sitting in Justice Rebeca Martinez’s cozy chambers at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center near a painting of U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor by San Antonio artist Cruz Ortiz. “When I first saw it, I said, ‘Cruz, that’s mine,’” Martinez says, elucidating how she prefers a daily view of her art collection in her office to one of her degrees and certifications. “Been there, done that.” Martinez, 52, joined Texas’ seven-member Fourth Court of Appeals in 2013. She considers Sotomayor her madrina and mentor and refers to the Fourth Court of Appeals — which is not only all female but also has a 7-to-5 Latina majority — as her “sisters in law.” Since first interviewing Martinez in 2012, I’ve thought of her as a serious-minded individual, but I notice a button sitting on her desk that reads, “I can’t remember your name either.” When I chuckle, she confides, “I’m great at faces, but really bad at names.” Before we begin, Martinez does some housekeeping by telling me that as a member of the judiciary she’s precluded from weighing in on issues presently in the courtroom. Now, there’s the serious judge I remembered. Having recently interviewed Judge Rosie Speedlin-Gonzalez of County Court at Law 13, an LGBTQ+ activist who made the leap to the bench, I 10

CURRENT | November 6-19, 2019 | sacurrent.com

ask Martinez how she balanced serving on the board of the National Association of Women Judges and the Mexican American Bar Association with her demanding judicial life. “It’s an interesting journey,” she explains. “We can’t assume, though, that every member of the judiciary hasn’t been active in their community at one time or another. We need not look further than, say, [U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice] Ruth Bader Ginsburg.” She gestures toward a bobblehead of Ginsburg on the bookshelf to my left. Martinez describes the celebrated role model as a voice of female empowerment who, as an attorney, was an advocate for the women’s movement. Martinez’s 32-county judicial district encompasses Texas’ southwest quadrant, one of the most diverse areas of the country, she argues. “My goal has always been to sustain and improve the public’s confidence in the judiciary,” Martinez says. “At my level, the trial judges in courthouses across the state are the soldiers on the ground,” she adds. “As an intermediate appellate judge, I grade their papers. We hear on appeal ... anywhere from determining money conflicts to determining whether or not you’ll spend the rest of your life in jail.” She hears ever kind of case imaginable, except

death penalty cases. “But, if you get 99 years for a sentence, then I’ll hear it,” she calmly adds. Martinez grew up in a military family, jumping between schools on naval bases from Washington D.C. to San Diego. Her father retired in Corpus Christi where she graduated from high school. “Thirty years ago, I didn’t see anybody that looked like me on the bench,” she recalls. “[Now], we are used to seeing judges from different backgrounds.” For emphasis, she shows me a dark-haired Barbie doll dressed in a judge’s robe — a purchase that arrived a few days ago. Martinez laments that the judiciary, which she considers the most important branch of government, doesn’t get much media coverage. She argues that appellate judges are the most important positions to consider during elections because they often have the last word in lasting legal matters. Martinez has run three campaigns. And when Republican Chief Justice Sandee Bryan Marion, retires at the end of her six-year term in 2020, Martinez who’s second in seniority, also plans to pursue a Democratic run for her position. That track record has given Martinez firsthand experience with the indifference an already apathy-ridden electorate often shows the judiciary. “I can walk around this courthouse, and there are people that work in this courthouse that don’t know who I am,” she says. Even those who do know who she is sometimes think her first name is misspelled since “Rebeca” is one “c” short of the most common spelling. But Martinez has learned to see that as a campaign advantage. “We are essentially asked to campaign like a nonjudicial elected official,” she says. “We have to gain attention to ourselves, and how can we do that when we can’t talk about anything? The only promise I can make is that I promise to follow the law and to be fair and impartial, and then hope that someone is at least interested in who I am as a candidate.” The judicial code and the understanding that she must appear free of bias sometimes feels like a muzzle, Martinez says. Even when she’s about to like or share something on social media, she must stop and consider whether it might show her leanings on an issue she may one day consider in court. “So, it’s a privilege to be a judge, but as my mentors have often said, it can be necessarily isolating,” she says. “I don’t actually mind that I can go to H-E-B and nobody recognizes me. I enjoy my anonymity. I can be in a ballcap and my ponytail. I’m a short little Mexican American riding my little scooter, and you never even know it’s me!” Mayor Ron Nirenberg can’t do that. As the 2020 election cycle heats up, Texas’ elimination of straight-party voting does concern Martinez. One in four voters cast ballots that way, and she worries the bottom third of the ballot may suffer as voters skip unfamiliar races. “[Because] nobody cares about us,” she says, leaning into my recording device in a sustained, dramatic whisper. “Nobody knows who we are.” She cracks a smile. That sense of humor may help her maintain perspective on the campaign trail.

sacurrent.com | November 6-19, 2019 | CURRENT

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One Texan Down

Julián Castro beat the odds by staying in the presidential race longer than Beto O’Rourke. How much longer will the former SA mayor hold on? BY SANFORD NOWLIN A year ago, it seemed unlikely Beto O’Rourke would be the first of the two Texans vying for the 2020 Democratic nomination to bow out. After all, he’d just raised $80 million in a widely covered Senate race to take down Texas Republican Ted Cruz, and he pulled in an eye-popping $6.1 million on the first day of his presidential bid. Early on, he lagged only former vice president Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders in polling. But O’Rourke pulled the plug on his campaign Friday, a day after former San Antonio mayor Julián Castro met an ambitious $800,000 fundraising goal that allowed his campaign to hang in. The difference? Castro seems to understand how to run a tightly tuned underdog campaign — and apparently has a higher pain threshold. Months ago, as O’Rourke’s Democratic rivals mobilized campaign staff and volunteers in key states, the former El Paso congressman still hadn’t cobbled together his infrastructure, according to a recent Politico analysis. “Lawmakers and major Democratic donors could not get calls returned,” the website reported. “When the campaign’s skeletal staff promised to reach out, it sometimes forgot.” O’Rourke’s lack of focus also showed

up in the debates, where he seemed stiff, adrift and unable to marshal the oratorical skills that fueled his Senate campaign. Castro, in contrast, aggressively grabbed mic time, punched up at opponents and scored points by depicting himself as the race’s top immigration expert. He even turned O’Rourke into a hapless punching bag, calling out the El Pasoan for opposing the decriminalization of border crossings. O’Rourke added well-regarded Jen O’Malley Dillon to manage his campaign and pepped up his performance in the last debate by saying he supported a mandatory buyback of assault weapons. The latter was a politically questionable move, but one that at least grabbed headlines. But by then, it was too late. O’Rourke’s fundraising and voter support had already taken too great a hit. He pulled in just $4.5 million in the most recent quarter, roughly a third of the $13 million he raised the prior, and he’d slipped to the bottom rung in national polls. “After O’Rourke was on a larger stage, people looked at the number of options available and he started to slip,” said David Crockett, a Trinity University political science professor.

Luke Harold

While Castro has outlasted his higher profile rival, he’s still a longshot candidate, and his recent fundraising victory is no guarantee that he’ll even make the November debate. After all, he’s hovering around 1% in most national polls, and candidates need either 3% in four approved national polls or 5% in two early-state polls to qualify. At the end of the day, Castro’s ability to outlast the campaign’s better-funded, higher-profile Texan may amount to his willingness to slog it out. He still has weeks of tough campaigning — and perhaps more skin-of-the-teeth fundraising

— if he wants to stick it out to the Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire primary. Part of the perceived payoff for Castro may be the notion that if he performs well in the Texas primary, he could be a potentially attractive running mate for the Democratic nominee. Texas, after all, is perceived a key state that may be at play for the party for the first time in decades. Even then, there are no guarantees. “Castro’s been hanging on by his fingernails,” Crockett said. “He’s just not going to fall as fast or from the same heights that Beto O’Rourke did.”

Suit Alleges Texas Military Housing Is Making Residents Sick BY SANFORD NOWLIN Families living on Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph and Laughlin AFB in Del Rio filed a federal lawsuit alleging substandard housing conditions sickened them. The suit accuses private contractor Hunt Military Communities of exposing military personnel and their families to dangerous conditions, including mold, airborne toxins and vermin infestations. The case was filed in San Antonio federal court on behalf of nine families living at the bases.

Hunt officials issued a written statement saying the suit is without merit and that the company will “vigorously” defend itself. Hunt, which bills itself as the nation’s largest military housing owner, operates 52,000 homes on 49 military installations. According to the lawsuit, when base residents complained about poor conditions, Hunt would make slapdash repairs and mislead tenants about the extent of the work done to remedy their problems. “Many service-members and their

families have fallen ill as a result of mold exposure, lost nearly all their personal possessions, and paid their full base housing allowance for woefully substandard facilities,” according to the filing. The suit attributes the housing problems to Hunt’s “profound neglect, malfeasance and greed.” The suit comes after military officials this summer revealed that mold or mildew has been identified in 30% of all dorm rooms at San Antonio’s Randolph, Lackland, Fort Sam Houston and Camp

Bullis facilities. In a statement to the Current, 502d Air Base Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Laura Lenderman said the Air Force, though not party to the litigation, will ensure privatized housing owners fulfill their required duties. “Safe and healthy living environments for all service members and their families on JBSA is my top priority,” Lenderman said. “This should be a given, not an option. I take my responsibility to take care of people seriously.” sacurrent.com | November 6-19, 2019 | CURRENT

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WED | 11/6

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ART

‘DON’T WORRY BE HAPPY’

Recent Artpace International Artist-In-Residence Jennifer Ling Datchuk continues her exploration of gender, race and identity through dual exhibitions at Ruiz-Healy Art’s two locations, San Antonio and New York. In her artistic practice, Datchuk seeks to rewrite traumatic histories and reclaim power, from incorporating gendered and racial slurs into her work to rescuing and rehabilitating vintage ceramics from eBay. Her Alamo City exhibition “Don’t Worry Be Happy” will showcase porcelain sculptures and photography that centers on the social expectations under which girls are expected to operate at a young age — don’t make noise, stay clean, don’t cause a stir, always be polite and otherwise serve “as empty vessels for the desire and fulfillment of men.” Free, 6-8 p.m., Ruiz-Healy Art, 201-A East Olmos Dr., (210) 804-2219, ruizhealyart.com. — Kelly Merka Nelson

Jennifer Ling-Datchuk

best to San Antonio. This performance is a real-time interpretation of the NBC series World of Dance and will include headlining artists such as solo contemporary dancer Michael Dameski, young ballroom duo Charity and Andres, modern-lyrical team Ashley and Zack and more. This event is appropriate for dance lovers of all ages, so if you — or someone in your family — has ever wanted to see the magic of dance live, the show may be worth checking out. $40-$65, 8 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — Rhyma Castillo

Anton Webern — during its 2019-2020 season opener “Audible Fingerprints.” A resident company of the Tobin Center, the institute provides programs throughout the year to educate youth in classical music and help them branch out into the world of arts. Since the event is also a celebration of Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday, the company will perform the famed deaf composer’s pieces Violin Sonata No. 8 in G major, Op. 30, No. 3 and String Quartet No. 9 in C major, Op. 59, No. 3, the latter of which is the third of Beethoven’s Rasumovsky quartets. While there, you may just need to keep an eye out for any Malcolm McDowell-looking characters going A Clockwork Orange crazy over the old Ludwig van. $10-$39, 7:30 p.m., Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org. — Brianna Espinoza

FRI | 11/8 – SAT | 11/9 COMEDY

JOEL MCHALE L

Comedian Joel McHale’s career came full circle last year when he debuted his new talk show The Joel

FRI | 11/8 Courtesy of the Aztec Theatre

WED | 11/6 DANCE

WORLD OF DANCE L

Featuring some of the most skilled dancers across all genres, the World of Dance Live Tour is bringing its

CLASSICAL MUSIC

CLASSICAL MUSIC INSTITUTE: AUDIBLE FINGERPRINTS 5

Who said classical music couldn’t start riots? Here’s hoping the infamous Skandalkonzert performance of 1913 won’t be repeated when the Classical Music Institute performs Chamber Symphony, Op. 9 — composed by Arnold Schoenberg and arranged by his disciple

Courtesy of Classical Music Institute.

THEATER

calendar

SUN | 11/10

THAT GOLDEN GIRLS SHOW! A PUPPET PARODY

Grab the shoulder pads, because That Golden Girls Show! A Puppet Parody is making its way to San Antonio, bringing sass, schemes and laughter to the Charline McCombs Empire Theater. Honoring the hit television show, the puppet parody brings to life the crazy shenanigans of Rose, Blanche, Sofia and Dorothy as they navigate senior life in ’80s-era Miami. The show promises to capture the late comedic actresses — plus the immortal Betty White — through expressive puppets that bring iconic quotes, heartfelt scenes and recognizable voices to life for nostalgic or even new audiences. Maybe they’ll even thank you for being a friend. $39.50, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, 226 N. St Mary’s St., (210) 226-3333, majesticempire. com. — BE Courtesy of the Empire Theatre

leave it to McHale to make a joke about his superhero’s “cosmic rod.” $30-$40, 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, (866) 468-3399, improvtx.com/sanantonio. — Kiko Martinez

SAT | 11/9 ART

‘LONG PAST MIDNIGHT’ \

Robert Jackson Harrington

McHale Show with Joel McHale on Netflix. It’s considered a “spiritual successor” to the sardonic comedy TV series The Soup, which he hosted on E! Network for 12 seasons. While The Joel McHale Show only lasted 19 episodes before Netflix pulled the plug, McHale isn’t sweatin’ it. The showman has kept busy since his gig playing manipulative former lawyer Jeff Winger on the hit cult comedy Community ended in 2015. Since then, McHale, who has a master’s degree in acting, has made some cameos on a handful of TV shows, including Mr. Iglesias and What Just Happened??! with Fred Savage. Next year, he’s starring in a recurring role as Sylvester Pemberton, aka Starman, a former member of the Justice Society of America, on the new DC Universe video-on-demand series Stargirl. We’re not sure if his role will translate over to a Justice Society movie anytime soon, but if it does,

Fresh off ‘Useless Systems,’ his collaborative exhibition with Hector Hernandez at Presa House Gallery, Austin-based artist Robert Jackson Harrington is back with a Second Saturday opening at Dorćol Distilling + Brewery. This time, he’s worked up something completely different — the strange, functionless bots of ‘Useless Systems’ are cast aside in favor of a 2D experience, in which Harrington explores the overarching concept of drawing, weaving together both abstract and figural styles to provoke a dialogue about “the unconscious lies we tell ourselves while we marvel at the fine-tuned skill set of a seasoned mark-maker.” Free, 7-10 p.m., Dorćol Distilling + Brewery, 1902 S. Flores St., (210) 2290607, dorcolspirits.com. — KMN

seen — either by choice or by force — at least one, but if you’ve somehow been spared the experience, the gist is that great thinkers communicate their big ideas in 18 minutes or less, which are then shared widely online. In the age of the viral video, the TED concept has spread worldwide, expanding into regional organizations that host their own TEDx conferences. This year, the theme of San Antonio’s event is “re:frame” and the speakers include Graham Conway, an automotive engineer at the Southwest Research Institute; Alex Bailey, the founder of local non-proﬁt Black Outside; and Jenny Lawson, a New York Times bestselling writer and blogger. The full list of nine speakers includes something for everyone, though in the spirit of TED talks, each is still likely to inspire people that aren’t necessarily part of the speaker’s target demographic. $50-$60, 1-9 p.m., Charline McCombs Empire Theater, 226 N. St Mary’s St., (210) 2265700, tedxsanantonio.com. — Georgie Riggs

SAT | 11/9 SPECIAL EVEN T

TEDXSANANTONIO 5

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BOXING SATURDAY / 11-9

WRESTLING SUNDAY / 11-10

calendar Spurs Sports and Entertainment

MON | 11/11

FRI | 11/15

SPORTS

SPURS VS. GRIZZLIES L

With New Orleans Pelicans phenom Zion Williamson sidelined until December following knee surgery, Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant is making an early bid for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year honors. Morant recently led the Grizzlies to their first win of the season behind a pair of signature plays, including a game-tying runner off the glass in crunch time and a key block on Brooklyn Nets superstar Kyrie Irving to send the game to overtime. Despite minute restrictions, Spurs point guard Dejounte Murray has also excelled, notching his first double-double of the young season in a home win against the Washington Bullets. Murray’s impact on San Antonio’s defense is undeniable, and will likely increase as cre-

SPECIAL EVEN T

GREAT VICTORIAN RADICALS BAKE OFF

strictions are lifted. A fast-paced duel between Murray and Morant should be a ﬁtting overture for Tony Parker’s jersey retirement ceremony, where the Spurs will honor the four-time NBA champion and greatest point guard in franchise history. $60-$1,502, 6:30 p.m., AT&T Center, One AT&T Parkway, (210) 444-5140, attcenter.com. — Manuel Solis

DANCE

FARRUQUITO 5

In 1995, the Spanish dancer Farruquito made his international debut performing alongside his grandfather, “El Farruco,” in Carlos Saura’s classic film Flamenco. In the film, an 11-yearold Farruquito performs an explosive soleá in what was largely seen as the passing of the torch by an older generation. Fast-forward two and a half decades later, and Farruquito is now one of the world’s leading dancers in the tradition, labelled by the New York Times as the “greatest flamenco dancer of the new century.” Although one of the most celebrated dancers of our time, Farruquito’s career has also been marred by tragedy and controversy,

SAT | 11/16

“On your marks, get set, bake!” Local culinary whizzes will gather to celebrate the San Antonio Museum of Art’s exhibition “Victorian Radicals” in the most British way possible: a bake oﬀ. Inspired by the wildly popular BBC series, SAMA invited both amateur and professional San Anto bakers to strut their stuﬀ in a competition to create the most delectable confections. Onlookers can ooh and ahh at cookies, cakes and other signature dishes on display at the final presentation while judges — including Culinary Institute of America professor of baking and pastry Melissa Fritz and SAMA’s William Keyse Rudolph, curator of “Victorian Radicals” — determine which one is deserving of the top prize, a cool $500! $12-$20, 2-4 p.m., Great Hall, San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave., (210) 978-8100, samuseum.org. — KMN

Courtesy of ARTS San Antonio

making his life story even more compelling. By 2001, both his grandfather and father — the singer known as “El Moreno” — had passed away unexpectedly, leaving him as the heir to one of

Courtesy of San Antonio Museum of Art

the greatest ﬂamenco dynasties in the world. Then in 2006, his career was sidelined when he was sentenced to a three-year prison term for a hit-andrun on the streets of Seville. Although he struggled to get his career back on track in the years that followed, Farruquito has now reclaimed his position on the world stage. His recent performances have been lauded as glamorous spectacles bridging together tradition and innovation. In a city with its own burgeoning ﬂamenco community and cultural ties to the country of Spain, Farruquito’s performance is a long-awaited and much-appreciated gift for local dance enthusiasts of all kinds. $29-$99, 7:30 p.m., Laurie Auditorium, Trinity University, One Trinity Place, (210) 226-2891, artssa.org. — Marco Acquino sacurrent.com | November 6-19, 2019 | CURRENT

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Spurs Sports and Entertainment

SAT | 11/16 SPORTS

SPURS VS. TRAIL BLAZERS

When the Spurs hosted the Trail Blazers back in October, San Antonio squeezed by with a 113-110 victory, thanks to a narrowly missed three-pointer by Damian Lillard at the buzzer. After a cold start, Lillard heated up in the fourth quarter, scoring 18 consecutive points while showcasing his reputation as perhaps the most dangerous late-game gunner in the league. Spurs swingman DeMar DeRozan matched Lillard with 27 points for the night, and reserve Derrick White contributed 21 crucial points oﬀ the bench. White and point guard Dejounte Murray will be critical in containing Portland’s stellar backcourt of Lillard and CJ McCollum in Saturday night’s anticipated rematch with the Blazers. White’s rapid ascendance was a silver lining for the Spurs last season, and he could once again prove vital to the team’s success as he settles into a reserve role. $16-$1,661, 7:30 p.m., AT&T Center, One AT&T Parkway, (210) 444-5140, attcenter.com. — MS

SAT | 11/16

michelle “mj”

Riverwalk Royalty 2020 Native of San Antonio, Michelle has lived and loved the “210” her entire life. Her fondest memory as a child growing up in the Alamo City was riding the VIA bus with her dad to Commerce street to dance to Bongo Joe’s drums, a 1980’s street musician/ downtown staple! Michelle attended St. Mary’s University after graduating from Alamo Heights H.S. and now works for a reputable non-profit. Giving back is in her character, so it was no surprise when she accepted the nomination to run for River Walk royalty!

She is humbled and honored to have the opportunity to help preserve, promote, and protect the heart of the our Alamo City, the San Antonio River Walk. But she can’t do it without your support! Please follow her for upcoming events like Whataburger trivia, a Royal Kickapoo bus trip and, even a chance to be in a parade as her guest. 100% of the funds she raises helps to benefit free River Walk events, parades, and the Robert H.H. Hugman Scholarship at UTSA. Please open your hearts and charitable contributions to her fundraising campaign for 2020

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

FI LM

THE MATRIX

This past May, months before Ruby City’s official ribbon cutting, the art center teamed up with Blue Star to screen the highly-acclaimed film Moonlight to the public under the banner of “The Contemporary Film Series.” Following up on their promise to host these film screenings twice annually, the two groups will show the Wachowskis’ 1999 film The Matrix. In line with Ruby City’s current exhibit “Waking Dream,” the movie supposes a dystopian future where everybody lives within a simulated reality. Combining techniques from Hong Kong action movies with science fiction themes, The Matrix has become one of the most iconic films from the ‘90s. With the renewed Keanu-fever and the newly-opened Ruby City focusing on the connection between real life and dreams, there may be no more apt time then now to revisit The Matrix — or experience it for the first time. An added bonus: two short films from local artist Joey Fauerso will be screened prior to the main event. Free, 6-10 p.m., Ruby City, 111 Camp St., (210) 227-8400, rubycity.org. — GR

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SAT | 11/16 COMEDY

FRANCO ESCAMILLA

Franco Escamilla’s sense of humor is pretty much everything you could ask for in a comedian — he’s raunchy, he’s sarcastic, he’s fun — and he’s coming to San Antonio for his 2019 PAYASO world tour. The only catch? His entire set will be en Español. His sharp wit and biting observational expressions are not only conveyed through stand-up, but through heartfelt songs as well. Some of his most popular tunes include “El Silencio De Tu Adiós” and “Nosotros Cantores,” both about his struggles with love and self-identity. So, for anyone ﬂuent in Spanish and in the mood to laugh — and maybe also cry — Escamilla’s show could be a good way to spend the night. $69-$129, 8 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 224 E Houston St., (210) 226-3333, majesticempire.com. — RC

CURRENT | November 6-19, 2019 | sacurrent.com

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sacurrent.com | November 6-19, 2019 | CURRENT

calendar | art pick

SAT | 11/9 ART PICK

LUMINARIA

Supersized cicadas, a jumbo take on Twister, a meditation temple and a Miami-based artist known as HotCheetoMami are but a few of the curiosities to expect from this year’s Luminaria, the multimedia arts festival launched by former San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger back in 2008. In preparation for its third consecutive year at Hemisfair, the nonprofit organization welcomed a new team of curators — Amber Ortega, Christopher Rodriguez, Gary Sweeney, Katherine Sotelo and Libby Day — to help vet project proposals from around the world. Boasting an eclectic array of presentations by more than 50 local, national and international creators taking place on multiple outdoor stages, indoor venues and points in between, the kid-friendly event won’t be easy to fully absorb without an informed plan of attack (visit luminariasa.org for a map, schedule and full artist lineup). In addition to the light projections and illuminated installations that have become Luminaria hallmarks, the 12th annual affair brings together works tackling such timely themes as intersectionality, immigration and LGBTQ* identity. After kicking off with a few words from Mayor Ron Nirenberg, the festival’s Main Stage (on the north side of the Magik Theatre parking lot) will host Denver-based acrobatic fire spinners Lunar Fire, local artist Amalia

CURRENT | November 6-19, 2019 | sacurrent.com

Ortiz’s punk-rock musical The Canción Cannibal Cabaret and psychedelic rockers the Holy Knives, among others. Several promising highlights of this year’s fest take place on the Film Stage (on the river level outside the Convention Center), including a collaboration between “life-affirming artrock” band Buttercup and Emmy-winning filmmaker Alejandro DeHoyos, Edward Tyndall’s documentary exploring Cheech Marin’s famed Chicano art collection, local artist and educator Sabra Booth’s animation Walled Off, which looks at the damaging effects of Trump’s border wall on the National Butterfly Center in the Rio Grande Valley and Mrs. Clean, a short film by 20-year-old YouTuber Daisy Cornejo (aka HotCheetoMami). Other site-specific creations to look out for as you navigate the park alongside a projected crowd of 20,000 include Austin-based Robert Bart’s “giant glowing cicada shells,” former Texans Tom Turner and Carol Cunningham Turner’s inflatable, interactive Mission Moon Glow, Canadian artist Justin Tate’s Twister-inspired painting installation Touch Me and a collaborative installation by theater artist Marisela Barrera, vocalist Alyson Alonzo and photographer and curator Kristel A. Orta-Puente. If all this leaves you wanting a bit of peace and quiet, seek out Nigerian artist Olaniyi Rasheed Akindiya’s Asopomora – Connectivity, “a woven canopy temple featuring a meditation space for viewers to reflect on generational connectivity and perceptions of home.” Free, 7 p.m.-midnight, Hemisfair, 434 S. Alamo St., (210) 721-1670, luminariasa.org.

VRBake-current-9.75x10.6875-update-PRINT.pdf

11/1/19

1:46 PM

The Great Victorian Radicals Bake Off November 16 | 2:00–4:00 p.m.

CMY

On your marks, get set, bake! View confections created by professional and amateur bakers inspired by the exhibition Victorian Radicals. Judges include Chief Curator William Rudolph; Melissa Fritz, Associate Professor, Baking and Pastry Arts, CIA; and Elise Russ, Pastry Chef/Owner, Clementine Restaurant. Vote for your favorite, enjoy a treat (for purchase) from Lily’s Cookies, and see who wins “star baker.”

200 West Jones Avenue | samuseum.org sacurrent.com | November 6-19, 2019 | CURRENT

San Antonio’s growing group of custom instrument builders produce one-ofkind axes that can sell for thousands — or just scratch a creative itch BY SANFORD NOWLIN

t the October meeting of the San Antonio Luthiers Group, a relatively new club for custom musical instrument makers, a couple dozen members — primarily middle-aged men — wandered through 10BitWorks, a south-of-downtown maker space, inspecting each other’s latest creations. One showed oﬀ acoustic guitars produced from locally sourced wood, while another touted his collection of sleek electric basses. A third plugged a cigar-box guitar into a small amp and summoned bluesy licks as onlookers nodded approvingly at the instrument’s tone. “It’s a combination of history, art, science and craftsmanship, all in one creative process,” Luthiers group member Jay Higgs said, explaining the appeal of building an instrument by hand. Higgs, a physician, plans to devote himself more fully to crafting violins once he retires in December. He’s built just seven over 30-plus years, and is eager to step up his game. Until the Luthiers Group formed in late 2017, it wasn’t clear how many folks were turning out handmade instruments in San Antonio. Builders were operating alone, most only aware of a handful of others. Turns out, there are several dozen

Jaime Monzon

in the San Antonio area, from hobbyists just getting started to pros crafting instruments prized by touring musicians. James Roadman, a guitar-repair professional, formed the group so local luthiers — the broad term for anyone who crafts stringed instruments — can share knowledge and experience. Its monthly meetings feature demos on anything from the ﬁner intricacies of woodworking to basic design elements. “It really is a solitary endeavor,” Roadman said. “So, without a group to bring people together everybody just stays on their own.”

Electric Slide If interest in handcrafted instruments is up, that bucks a larger trend. Electric guitar sales dropped by 23% over the past decade, according to data from Music Trades, which tracks instrument sales in North America. Consumers bought 1.1 million guitars in 2017, down from nearly 1.5 million in 2008. On top of that, top guitar maker Gibson ﬁled for bankruptcy last spring, and Fender — another iconic brand — is struggling to climb from under years of accumulated debt. An extensive Wash-

arts

Sanford Nowlin

Neil Peterson displays one of his acoustic guitars constructed of Texas mesquite wood.

ington Post report on the state of the industry laid the blame on pop music’s move to electronics and away from guitar heroics. But custom builders have both proliferated and gotten more ambitious, Roadman said. “The initial draw to doing this is to make a tool that’s both beautiful and can create music,” he said. “I don’t think it’s dissimilar from the reasons people make music. As a musician, you want to be successful, but you understand that the odds are very much against it.” Even so, the guitar’s relative absence in today’s pop music serves as a stumbling block for San Antonio’s custom instrument makers. Sales of high-end instruments is still largely a word-of-mouth aﬀair, and nothing raises one’s proﬁle more than a hitmaking client. “If you don’t have a hero playing your guitars, nobody will know about them,” said DC Olson, who makes about a half dozen custom basses per year. Pricing custom-made guitars is also tricky, Olson points out. Buyers demand high-quality materials, but it’s easy to overspend and price yourself out of the market. He points to the venerable custom house Alembic, whose price tags of $10,000 or more make them a rock stars-and-millionaires-only proposition. “But if you don’t charge enough, people won’t think your guitars are worth it,” Olson added.

Slow Build Even for San Antonio’s upper tier of custom instrument makers, success isn’t an overnight proposition.

San Antonio Luthiers Group

Indeed, making a viable business took a few decades for Mark Piper — arguably one of the Luthier’s Group’s most successful members. His sole proprietorship Redentore Guitars makes 20 to 25 instruments a year for clients such as Joe Don Rooney of top-selling country act Rascal Flatts. But Piper’s journey began 40 years ago in Nashville, when he started repairing guitars after he realized his playing wouldn’t pay the bills. “I moved there thinking I was a hot guitar player,” he said. “Of course, I was wrong.” Piper spent years at repair shops and doing work for Gibson and Guild before relocating to Kerrville and striking out on his own. He augments his guitar-building business with repair jobs and contract work lacquering guitars for other instrument builders.

Far left: San Antonio Luthiers Group Founder James Roadman holds one of his creations. Above: Melody Packard works on a guitar neck. With price tags between $3,000 and $6,000, Piper’s axes aren’t the kind of thing folks will ﬁnd hanging on the wall at the local Guitar Center. Roughly half of his customers are successful musicians. “The other half are professionals,” he said. “You know, doctors and lawyers.” While he’s not seen stats to prove it, Piper says business for custom guitar crafters is on the upswing. The economy is stable, and plenty of Baby Boomers are willing to part with disposable income to dabble in the rock

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CURRENT | November 6-19, 2019 | sacurrent.com

arts star dreams of their youth.

Pushing Limits Even so, like any kind of artistic endeavor, custom guitar building isn’t likely to become a moneymaker for most practitioners. The market is small, and it’s nearly impossible to break into the crowded retail side of the business. Most local builders, even the ones who aspire to turn their hobby into a profession, say they’re fully aware of the hurdles. But, they add, they’re able to innovate and push creative limits in ways companies producing factory-made instruments can’t. Environmental concerns and overharvesting have limited manufacturers’ access to mahogany, Brazilian rosewood and other woods long used in producing stringed instruments. That, members said, enables custom builders to be at the vanguard of trying new materials. “Some of us haven’t been doing this for very long, so we don’t know any better,” group member Manson Cersley said. “We’re not afraid to experiment.” To that end, Bandera’s Neil Peterson produces acoustic guitars incorporating recycled and locally sourced wood. Nearing the milestone of completing 100 instruments, the cabinetmaker has grown his Peterson Acoustics into a sideline business with a following

Sanford Nowlin

among local folk and country pickers. In addition to incorporating wood recycled from the sounding boards of old pianos, he’s also crafted recent instruments from Texas mesquite — a wood more associated with brisket than breakdowns. Even so, mesquite has been a big selling point for his Lone Star State clientele.

Above: Mark Piper points out detail on one of his hollow body electrics to another club member. Left: DC Olson shows off one of his basses. “Once they hear it, they say, ‘I never dreamed a mesquite guitar could sound like this. I’ve got to have it.’” Even if the guitar work always stays in the shadow of his cabinetmaking business, Peterson finds fulfillment in the quest to improve at his craft. “That’s my goal,” he said, turning over one of his guitars to show off the elegant striations in the polished wood. “You want every guitar to be a little bit better than the last.”

New Blood The Luthier’s Group’s membership heavily skews male and 40-plus. Most who join already have a history with woodworking, guitar repair or some sort of engineering, Roadman said. Still, he strives to make the club accessible to those who don’t. One of the group’s recent additions, 36-year-old Melody Packard, had none Sanford Nowlin

of those three things in her background. She and friend Liz Flinn, 27, attended a meeting after assuming the name meant its members made lutes. After being exposed to the medieval instrument via the video game Skyrim, wanted to own one. She showed up as members were kicking off a group project to hand tool guitar necks. “I walked in and someone was like, here’s a neck, let’s get going,” she recalls. Now she and Flinn have competed a pair of electric guitar necks and are working on bodies to go with them. Based on the experience, Packard is confident she’ll be able to start work on a lute next. Both she and Flinn said they’ve felt welcome, even if their ages and gender make them outliers. “It’s been like working with a bunch of dads. It’s been fun,” Flinn said. “Any time you have a question, here come a bunch of guys in cargo shorts.” Piper, the veteran guitar builder from Kerrville, said he’s satisfied to be one of the old timers passing on knowledge and encouragement. “Someone once said if you don’t pass it on, you’re disrespecting the craft,” he said. “I’m more than happy to share.” sacurrent.com | November 6-19, 2019 | CURRENT

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arts

Arcadia Publishing

Checking In

tion of Delta blues legend Robert Johnson’s storied recording sessions at the Gunter Hotel in 1936. Shortcomings aside, San Antonio’s Historic Hotels finds strength in carefully sourced archival materials. Preserved ephemera reveals shifting currents in graphic design; street scenes Arcadia Publishing capture classic cars, clothing and signage; panoramas depict the evolution of our skyline; reprinted menus reveal what people eating for dinner in the early 1900s; and old print ads show hotel rates as low as $1.50 per night. Hovering around three sentences per image, the photo captions are brimming with historical anecdotes. Informed were quills, San Antonio would by archival research, newspaper be a rare porcupine indeed.” articles and correspondence, From there onward, San Anthese little slices of Alamo City tonio’s Historic Hotels essentially life might spark imaginations functions as a picture book. more readily than the imagThis organic, scrapbook-like es they caption. We’re told of approach may irk readers expectearly 20th-century floods that ing a more linear and complete were announced to the public storyline. And the visually via sirens and steam whistles; a minded will undoubtedly notice tunnel connecting the Gunter the complete absence of color Arcadia Publishing and the St. Anthony rumored — particularly when viewing to be used for illicit activities flat black-and-white reproducSan Antonio’s Historic Hotels during Prohibition; a string of tions of hand-colored vintage Arcadia Publishing | 128 pp. | $21.99 robberies in 1917; the disappearpostcards, retro brochures and ance of Fiesta during WWII; and souvenir matchbooks. These the San Antonio-centric origin idiosyncrasies keep with the of the term “maverick.” And we’re also reminded that modus operandi of South Carolina-based Arcadia the Crockett was originally built as a fraternal lodge Publishing, especially its Images of America series. for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; that the San Antonio trivia buffs will also find a few things Gunter once housed radio station KTSA and hosted missing. There is next to nothing about the alleged the first and only meeting of H.G. Wells and Orhauntings that continue to bring intrigue to nearly son Welles; and that Princess Grace and Prince 35 6 all of the city’s oldest hotels. And there’s nary a men-

San Antonio’s Historic Hotels provides a vintage portrait of Alamo City lodging BY BRYAN RINDFUSS

s one of the oldest and most-visited cities in Texas, San Antonio boasts a wealth of historic hotels with great stories to tell. Many with roots in the Alamo City grew up hearing accounts of hauntings in downtown’s grande dames. We were also exposed to sound bites about Teddy Roosevelt recruiting Rough Riders in the Menger Hotel bar in 1898, the Palacio del Rio’s LEGO-like erection just in time for HemisFair ’68 and the 1,451-ton Fairmount Hotel’s Guinness World Record-setting relocation in 1985. While far from an exhaustive account of its subject, local history enthusiast David L. Peché’s new book San Antonio’s Historic Hotels conjures a multifaceted portrait of old-school lodging in the Alamo City. Rather than oﬀering a traditional timeline, the 128-page volume lets photographs and captions lead the narrative. The longest passage in the book is a foreword penned by former San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros, who oﬀers a brief historical overview peppered with popular sentiments about the city — a place “frozen in time” — and an amusing quote from late poet and author Sidney Lanier: “If peculiarities

sacurrent.com | November 6-19, 2019 | CURRENT

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CURRENT | November 6-19, 2019 | sacurrent.com

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THIS NOVEMBER AT ALAMO

Arcadia Publishing

6 33 Rainier of Monaco stayed at the St. Anthony when they visited San Antonio during HemisFair ’68. The way the book is divided into chapters may also raise an eyebrow. While the Menger, the St. Anthony, the Crockett and the Gunter are all given space to breathe, all the other included hotels — among them, the Fairmount, which opened in 1906, and the Emily Morgan, which opened in 1984 in the ’20s-era Medical Arts Building — are combined into four choppy but still enlightening chapters: Hemisfair and the Riverwalk, Buildings and Hotels Restored, Lost But Not Forgotten and Now and Then. When asked about this distribution, Peché explained that he prior-

itized hotels by age and importance as well as the number and quality of available images. He also pointed out that Arcadia’s format for Images of America is limited to eight chapters and 128 total pages. Sprinkled throughout are excellent photographic time capsules. In one especially cinematic frame, a solitary car driving on Alamo Street passes the Villita Hotel and its street-level Frisky A Go Go Club, which the San Antonio Light characterized in 1967 as a spot where the “swinging go-go girls who would steam up the glasses of customers.” It’s in frozen moments like this that Peché’s book reaches its potential to make readers daydream about San Antonio’s many past lives.

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Nostalgia plays a terrifying role in the Stephen King-adapted horror sequel Doctor Sleep BY KIKO MARTINEZ

he horror movie classic The Shining is given new life with the sequel Doctor Sleep, a nostalgia-heavy ghost story sure to conjure nightmares — especially for fans of the original. Written and directed by Mike Flanagan (Gerald’s Game), Doctor Sleep reunites audiences with an adult Danny Torrance (Ewan McGregor), who has learned how to conceal his gifts of telepathy and clairvoyance (known as “the shining”). Since the original story, however, he’s become alcoholic like his demented dad. When Danny learns of a young girl (Kyliegh Curran) with powers greater than his, he decides he must protect her from a commune of immortal beings who feed off the psychic energy of children possessing supernatural abilities. Unless you’re familiar with King’s Doctor Sleep novel, it might take some time to pin down the specific language used to form the world Flanagan recreated from the original text. At times, it seems like “the shining” is without limitations. The script seems to allow those who use to bend the rules to keep the narrative moving. But once the technical aspects of the story unravel, Doctor Sleep becomes thoughtful and fresh, even when it awakens familiar beasts.

Sony Pictures Classics and Neon

Spain vs. South Korea

International Oscar frontrunners Pain & Glory and Parasite open this week in SA

t might seem like the capital cities of Madrid, Spain, and Seoul, South Korea, are worlds apart, but chances are, filmmakers from both countries will meet face to face during this fall’s award season. Early predictions have Spanish director and Oscar-winning screenwriter Pedro Almodóvar’s contemplative drama Pain & Glory headed for a matchup against Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho’s dark social satire Parasite for this year’s Academy Award for Best International Feature. In Pain & Glory, Almodóvar tells the semi-autobiographical story of Salvador Mallo (Antonio Banderas), a retired filmmaker who emerges from a solitary life when he’s asked to speak at a special public screening of a film he directed 30 years ago. Accepting the offer, Salva reaches out to Alberto (Asier Etxeandia), an actor with whom he hasn’t spoken in decades. They rekindle their friendship with a shared need to create something — and by smoking heroine. The request to revisit his old film awakens memories of Salva’s childhood, which are depicted through flashbacks where he interacts with his adoring mother Jacinta (Penélope Cruz), who only wants the best for her son despite

screens

Mind Tricks

Warner Bros

Yes, the nostalgia factor is strong in the sequel, but none of the past characters or imagery evoked feels forced into the screenplay. In fact, revisiting some of the symbolism, style and sounds of the 1980 movie provides the most terrifying scenes during Doctor Sleep’s 151-minute runtime. Once a final showdown at the abandoned Overlook Hotel arrives in the third act, it’s impossible not to smile a mischievous smile when Danny peers his head through the same door his father shredded with an ax 40 years ago. Doctor Sleep opens in theaters nationwide November 8.

the family’s poverty. As young Salva grows, he begins to examine his own sexuality when he starts tutoring a young man in their home. Almodóvar’s reflection on the passage of time between Salva as a boy and as an older man feels authentic as he operates with affection during both stages of the character’s life. As adult Salva, Banderas delivers his best performance since starring in another Almodóvar film, 2011’s The Skin I Live In. In Pain & Glory, he plays a man who is physically and emotionally debilitated and does so with an ease and intimacy that matches Almodóvar’s usual approach. With the exception of his 2013 comedy misfire I’m So Excited!, one would be hard-pressed to point to an Almodóvar film that hasn’t lived up to the auteur’s artistic ambition and unique expression. Pain & Glory is a beautifully realized picture in a remarkable body of work that continues to inspire. Six thousand miles east of Spain, Korean co-writer and director Bong Joon Ho (Snowpiercer) isn’t executing things as delicately in Parasite, a meticulously crafted, satirical thriller that proves to be Ho’s most thematically rich project to date. The film follows the Kims, a poor family of four scraping by on the money they earn doing menial jobs like folding cardboard pizza boxes for a local restaurant. Father Ki-taek (Kang-ho Song), mother Chung-sook (Hye-jin Jang) and their adult children, son Ki-woo (Woo-sik Choi) and daughter Ki-jung (Sodam Park), live together in a basement apartment where they feel trapped like rats. Even so, the family refuses to accept its place on the lowest rung of society. When Ki-woo’s friend gets him a job as a tutor for the teenage daughter of the affluent yet naïve Park family, the Kims see an opportunity to turn around their economic situation by cooking up a plan to get each member of their family on the Park’s payroll. Soon, Ki-woo’s sister is hired as an art tutor, their father as a chauffeur and their mother as the new housekeeper. While the deceit is played for fun and to depict the Kim family’s street smarts, a story twist shifts the film’s tone seamlessly from an entertaining, smartly written caper into an intense and unpredictable potboiler that speaks to the widening gap separating the haves and the have-nots. Ho and co-writer Han Jin Won have created a chaotic masterpiece. Pain & Glory opens exclusively at the Santikos Bijou Cinema Bistro November 8. Parasite opens exclusively at the Alamo Drafthouse Park North November 7. — Kiko Martinez

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food Lea Thompson

Downhome but Not Distinct

dish back after I brought the textural problems to their attention. They also regularly visited nearby tables to check in and ask how their parties were doing. Ida Claire’s take on Nashville hot chicken was crisp and flavorful — a savory half bird topped a slice of pimento cheese-laden toast — but it wasn’t actually that spicy. I detected sample of craft cocktails. Most were on the cayenne, but I was hoping for a more enticing sweeter side and didn’t live up to the restauarray of spices, maybe even the addition of rant’s promise of being “South of Ordinary.” ghost peppers. The house pickles were nice, Even so, a Peachy Keane — made with bourbon, but not necessary. honey, peach and ginger tisane and egg white For dessert, the cranberry key lime pie — was pleasant even if it lacked distinction. was sweet and unexpected, augmented by I was there during the 3-6 p.m. Vinyl Hapa crumbly crust and real whipped cream. py Hour, which included $5 cocktails like Ida Claire touts itself as making everything Old Fashioneds and Frosé, so it was good to from scratch, and that approach worked know there are other options. The head barhere. The pie was a welcome alternative to tender kept the music moving throughout, selecting vinyl by Sam Cooke, CCR and Earth, more predictable items on the dessert menu, including pecan pie, a Wind & Fire. hot fudge sundae and a The main courses Ida Claire berry-filled dump cake. required a longer wait Despite the lack of than the appetizers, 7300 Jones Maltsberger Road creativity, Ida Claire and while well-pre(210) 667-2145 offered a welcoming pared, both lacked experience. And the excitement or a fresh ida-claire.com restaurant may hold take on their origins as Kitchen hours: Monday-Thursday 7 a.m. to more shine during basic Southern staples. 11 p.m., Friday 7 a.m.-midnight, Saturday breakfast, lunch or The shrimp and grits 9 a.m.- midnight, Sunday 9 a.m.-10 p.m. weekend brunch than looked good but served Brunch runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and it did for dinner. That as a reminder that Sunday. said, the Southern food you can’t rush good trend has reached its grits — or cover up peak in recent years, undercooked ones with and several independent restaurants in San asiago cheese. Fortunately, there were plenty of grilled shrimp to distract. It’s worth noting Antonio execute the region’s fare in more inspired ways than those served up here. that the servers were apologetic and sent the

Ida Claire’s Southern fare is fine — but nothing exceptional BY LEA THOMPSON

he folks behind Ida Claire may be well-intentioned, but they’re not exactly alone in their aspiration to offer an elevated-but-approachable take on Southern cuisine. And the Dallas-based chain’s first Alamo City location doesn’t bring much new to the dining table. The Quarry location, which formerly housed chef Johnny Hernandez’s El Machito, has been expanded to offer Ida Claire’s mix of indoor and outdoor seating. The patio hosts two converted Airstream trailers, which provided for an inviting first look. During warmer weather, one promises to offer an upgraded private dining room and the other to serve outdoor cocktails. Inside, the restaurant’s tables, walls and ceilings are embellished with carefully curated tchotchkes, patterned dishes and mirrors. An open kitchen allows diners a view of the cooking process. My servers quickly delivered my appetizers of crawfish corn beignets and fried green tomatoes, both large enough to share. The dense, deep-fried beignets and lightly battered green tomatoes were well-prepared and served with mustard remoulade and a pistou aioli, respectively. Ida Claire’s bar offers booze in addition to beers and by-the-glass wine, so I opted for a

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CURRENT | November 6-19, 2019 | sacurrent.com

food The Take Away: Elisabeth Forsythe Has Made Her Mark on San Antonio’s Bar Scene BY LEA THOMPSON

NAME: ELISABETH FORSYTHE JOB/TITLE: BAR MANAGER FOR ROSELLA AT THE RAND BIRTHPLACE: KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, “BUT SAN ANTONIO IS MY HOME” YEARS IN BAR INDUSTRY: 20 IMPACT: HAS WORKED AT, MANAGED AND INFLUENCED MANY OF SAN ANTONIO’S GREAT BARS MONEY QUOTE: “WE ALL JUST WANT TO MAKE OUR MOMS PROUD.” Tell us about your background, and how you got where you are today. I was trying to find a way to afford a way to go back to college, so I started bartending, and I fell in love and never stopped. It’s a cool thing to be a part of people’s moments. It’s kind of voyeuristic, but you’re in on that. A regular day could be a monumental moment in their life, for good or for bad. You’re part of that. I’ve been part of people’s most tragic moments and their happiest moments. People form a special trust with their bartender that feeds me. You’ve worked at Bluebox, Esquire, The Davenport. Where haven’t you worked? [Laughs] I’ve worked everywhere. I did all the bars for Empty Stomach — everything from Hot Joy and Barbaro to The Monterey — and I helped open Chisme. I worked at Francis Bogside for a while. Every place has been its own unique challenge. I went back to bartending for a while after leaving Empty Stomach, and this is my first serious jump back into creative development and leadership, and I’m really excited. I’ve had enough rest. Now I’m restless. What are best and worst things about your job? My favorite thing is that moment when you get someone’s eyes to light up and you know you got ’em. You’ve made that person’s day. You’ve made this golden experience, whether it’s through the way drink tastes, or just being kind or giving a great restaurant recommendation. I love that moment. What I love least is when people don’t trust you enough to care for them and foster their journey in hospitality. If you let me direct the service, you could have a great experience. A dismissive attitude can be very difficult to work around. I just want to take you on a journey. What made you want to dedicate your life to bartending and craft cocktails? I fell in love with it right away, but I think when my mom started acknowledging that she was proud of me that I realized “OK, it’s OK to do this.” [Laughs.] When she stopped saying things like, “My friend is a speech therapist. I think you’d be really good at that.” We all just want to make our moms proud. What do you wish more people understood about what you do? When you spend so many hours caring for other people it feeds on your energy, and that can be really exhausting. With everyone you’re serving, you’re striving for perfection. I’m an introvert by nature, but people who know me from behind the bar would never know it. But I love it, and I think it’s the best job in the world. My mission statement is to bring delight to people. What’s next for you? It’s well into fall, but the cooler weather means we can actually release our fall menu and start serving inspired drinks and flavors. I’m looking forward to working with this awesome bar team and embracing their creativity. Rosella at

Lea Thompson

the Rand is really growing, and I think we’re going to have a strong footprint downtown. We’ve always been known for coffee, but I’m excited to be part of the downtown landscape and to just roll my sleeves up and get creative. Rosella at the Rand will release its new fall food and cocktail menus in the coming weeks. Happy Hour runs every day from 4-6 p.m. Rosella at the Rand, 114 E. Houston St. sacurrent.com | November 6-19, 2019 | CURRENT

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CURRENT | November 6-19, 2019 | sacurrent.com

food What We’re Drinking Right Now: Esquire Tavern’s Midnight in Mexico

squire Tavern Beverage Director Houston Eaves concocted this beautiful cocktail in honor of Dia de los Muertos. Midnight in Mexico, made with a mix of smoky spirits and bright flavorful notes, is representative of the balance between life and death at this time of year. And lucky for us, it’s easy enough to make at home.

INGREDIENTS:

1.5 oz. Mezcal Vago Elote .75 oz. Ancho Reyes .75 oz. Fernet-Vallet Grapefruit peel

DIRECTIONS:

Stir spirits and ice well in a mixing glass, and strain over a large piece of ice in a rocks glass. Pinch a wide grapefruit swath to express oil into glass. Garnish with a grapefruit twist. Enjoy.

Kody Melton

Table Talk OPENINGS

Family-owned Brooks BBQ & More opened last weekend at 13777 Nacogdoches Road … Back Unturned Brewing Co. is expected to start serving suds at 516 Brooklyn Ave. by mid- November. … After 15 years of making pizzas in Stone Oak, the Trilogy Pizza team announced plans for a new Trilogy Burger Bistro, slated to open at 20079 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 3100, in 2020.

Talk

CLOSINGS

SA Current File

High-profile chef Jason Dady’s Shuck Shack will shutter its 520 East Grayson location this month, but seafood lovers can expect the restaurant to be resurrected in North San Antonio in 2020. … Burger Culture at 801 S. Presa St. is no more, but the Southtown Pizzeria family is getting ready for a new chapter at 728 S. Presa St. … Upscale eatery Periphery on Main will close at 2152 N. Main Ave. by the end of 2019. … Both Steel City Pops stores, located at 812 South Alamo St. and 17619 La Cantera Parkway, closed on Oct. 31. sacurrent.com | November 6-19, 2019 | CURRENT

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music

Juan A. Martinez

Spiced-Up Soul

Soul” gained worldwide admiration, allowing some local players to take their music to Las Vegas, England and places even further away. Groups like such as the Texas Tornados and the Westside Horns also helped resurrect its popularity in the ’90s. However, that ended with the untimely deaths of bandmembers Doug Sahm, Freddy Fender and Randy Garibay. Hernandez said he sees the Valiants as Hernandez’s two-year-old soul and R&B torchbearers for the style, paying tribute to big band features not only a brass section both San Antonio’s pioneering soul legends but triple harmony singers in matching and the black doo-wop and R&B artists who jackets, keeping a feel authentic to the inspired them. period. To that end, it While the Westside also features 70-yearSound’s heyday has long old Little Lee Parilla on Upcoming Eddie and the since passed, it still comkeyboards, whose ’60s Valiants Shows mands a cult following group The Laveers had a 5:30 p.m. Sunday, November 10 in places as far away as #1 hit representing the Japan, Europe and AustraWestside Sound. King William Park lia, Hernandez said. But, “We couldn’t relate 131 King William St. for now, Eddie and the to The Beach Boys and Valiants are fine keeping that situation going on, Free it a San Antonio secret, but Jackie Wilson, Ray strictly playing the local Charles, Sam Cooke, Bob5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., November 21 nightclub scene. by Darin — he was a hip “You listen to these old white boy,” Parilla said of (Regular third-Thursday residency) Royal Jesters records and his early influences. “The Luna Bar & Music Lounge these old Sunny Ozuna ‘Highway 90 Connection’ 6740 San Pedro Ave. records, it was soul, it was we called it, between R&B, but the San Antonio here and New Orleans lunalive.com musicians gave it that and especially passing $5 little bit of a Latin flair through Beaumont and because of their style and Lake Charles. The music gave that extra spice,” we liked seemed to be Hernandez said. “That little extra ingredient coming from there.” made it sound San Antonio and South Texas.” The sound Parilla likes to call “Chicano

Local music vets pay faithful tribute to San Antonio’s Westside Sound BY DAVID CARDWELL

ike many of his San Antonio musical contemporaries, 49-year-old guitarist Eddie Hernandez started out as a metalhead, building his chops studying AC/DC, Iron Maiden and KISS. While he was aware of the Westside Sound — a San Antonio-birthed mix of R&B, soul and early rock ’n’ roll with Latin influences — he considered it another generation’s music. But after discovering records released on bygone local labels like Teardrop, Clown and Cobra through his sideline as a club DJ, Hernandez developed an appreciation for the music’s artistry and history. The ’50s- and ’60s-era bands the releases documented — Sunny & the Sunliners, the Royal Jesters and the Dell-Kings — carried an irresistible wave of retro cool. “After a while, I was thinking, ‘Man, this music is so cool, and it’s taken off so well on the DJ scene,’ and I was like, ‘I need to get a band together to cover this,’” he said. “No offense to my Austin friends, but I told myself I’d be damned if an Austin band is going to do it before a San Antonio guy does.” And that’s how Eddie and the Valiants was born.

Find more musicmore coverage Find news every day at sacurrent.com

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CURRENT | November 6-19, 2019 | sacurrent.com

music

have been any more different Flipper with David Yow, in aesthetic. Flipper droned The Avengers, We Are the along at glacial Asteroid, Noogy pace, becoming $18 a snark-fueled 8 p.m. Friday, November 8 template for Paper Tiger both grunge and 2410 N. St. Mary’s St. sludge metal. papertigersatx.com The Avengers, featuring singer Penelope Housheadline a bill ton, helped lay the groundwork for Friday, November 8, at the Paper Tiger. political punk while giving the nascent While both formed in in San Francismusical form one of its first dynamic co during the late ’70s, they couldn’t

Flipper and the Avengers Bringing Seminal Punk Sounds to the Paper Tiger This weekend, San Antonio will witness the confluence of two essential bands from California’s early punk scene, Flipper and the Avengers, which

David Yow (Flipper)

On that note, you’re a physical performer, known for an aggressive, sometimes outrageous stage presence. How much of that is from coming up in Texas, where there’s no shortage of larger-than-life punk frontmen, from Gary Floyd of the Dicks to Bobby Soxx of Stick Men with Ray Guns. I think you absolutely nailed it. That’s exactly the deal.

— Sanford Nowlin

some recordings that weren’t involved in this legal battle, and that became the record called Died for Your Sins. When that came out, they wanted us to do a record release party. We did it, and it was so much fun that we decided to keep going.

Given the influence of Scratch Acid and Jesus Lizard, seems like you’re a guy who could have a pretty full dance card. Why tour with Flipper, not just once but several times? Well, early on — in 1980 and stuff, ’81 and ’82 — they were very important to me. In particular, I remember when the “Brainwashed” seven-inch came out. I was so taken by it. I was telling my friends it was the most significant recording since Abbey Road. It was art. It was like real art, but punk rock, aggressive art. I was really impressed with it, and there’s never been anybody like them. And when they asked me, sort of out of the blue, to sing with them, I could not say no. I didn’t know if they were going to pay me well or not well — or at all. It was just, “Yeah, please! Thanks!” In the past, you’ve written and sung your own lyrics. What’s it like to be in the position where you’re now singing a couple of other guys’ songs? That’s a really good question. Most of them, I just pretty much do the lyrics as they were written, but some of them I’m just not willing to do. There are a couple of songs that say, “everyone knows,” and that’s just always bugged me in music, when someone says, “everyone knows” or “everyone does this” or “everyone that,” because there’s nothing everyone agrees on — at all. Then there’s also the song “Life Is Cheap.” That’s a bunch of bullshit. Like is not cheap. Life is something to be cherished. So, when we do that song, I change the chorus to “Life is not cheap.” And in “Shine” there’s this line, “I’ve got to strip this flesh from my bones.” I say “meat,” because “flesh” is a Nine Inch Toenails word. I don’t say “flesh” in songs. That’s stupid. [Laughs.] But some songs, like “Sacrifice” and “Love Canal,” I’ve told people I feel so powerful when we’re doing those songs, like a silverback gorilla. Like I could just rip your fucking leg off, you know.

frontwomen. The pair end up in the Alamo City together as Flipper tours to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Scratch Acid and Jesus Lizard frontman David Yow is filling in for original singers and lyricists Will Shatter and Bruce Lose — the first died of an overdose and the latter retired from live performances. The Avengers ended up on the gig as the group picked up dates on the way home from a tour with similarly influential punk outfit Stiff Little Fingers. The Current spoke with Yow and Houston by phone about their respective bands’ lingering influence.

Facebook / The Avengers

Facebook / David Yow

Was there any specific performance from that era that made you realize couldn’t just be a stand around-type singer? Particularly Gary Floyd and Gibby Haynes, and you mentioned Bobby Soxx. Bobby was just terrifying, although he looked like a complete dork. I remember being so impressed by the Dicks and just so intimidated by them, specifically Buxf. I just felt like, “Don’t get too close. He’ll kill ya.” I don’t remember specifics. It was just the cumulative something-ness of all those guys.

Penelope Houston (The Avengers) After the original Avengers broke up in 1979, you had a lengthy solo career doing folk rock. Why resurrect the Avengers? That was about ’99 when we got back together. People kept asking us for records, and our record was out of print. There was a legal battle around it. Lookout Records in the Bay Area asked if we wanted to release something, so we put together some live tracks and

So, 40 years after the Avengers made its original mark, why do people need this music again? What’s its relevance in 2019? It’s kind of amazing that it’s still specifically relevant. [Laughs.] I mean, the songs are questioning our political leadership, they’re questioning the way we deal with the environment and pollution, they’re questioning the relationships between men and women. A lot of the songs are still super relevant. And then there are some songs like “Teenage Rebel” that are just about being an angry teenager. Those are relevant to angry teenagers — and to those of us who are still teenagers in our heads. [Laughs.] With age, a lot of the angst that fuels a band like the Avengers falls away. Do you still consider yourself an angry person who needs that kind of outlet? I don’t think I’m angrier than any other aware person right now. It’s great to have that outlet, but generally when I write new material, it’s a different kind of genre, a different kind of feel, both the music and lyrics. But when I’m singing Avengers, the music brings out that kind of aggression — both for the people listening and the people performing it. To read a longer version of each interview, visit SACurrent.com.

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Trans-Siberian Orchestra PRESENTS

TS TICKE LE A ON S W! NO

She Tastes Like Music

Courtesy of Andrea Sanderson

Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson drops a captivating new album

TRANS-SIBERIAN.COM

BY CHRIS CONDE

— I wanted to play with the idea that ndrea “Vocab” Sanderson’s music is a soundtrack to life.” voice resonates with a kind Sanderson has been performing as of maturity and depth many a soloist and in various bands over the performers work an entire course of two decades. The new album career to achieve. During the course is the fourth under her own name. of a single song, she can move from Combining elements of spoken word an emotive whisper into an operatic poetry, hip-hop, R&B, soul and jazz, She crescendo. Tastes Like Music captures Sanderson The San Antonio rapper, poet and performing at a high level. Every singer this year won both the Artist lyric — whether spoken, crooned or Foundation of San Antonio’s People’s rapped — is crisp, evocative and delivChoice Award and the Tobin Center’s ered with intention. Award of Excellence. Sanderson’s focus The former came with is especially evident a $15,000 prize which Andrea Sanderson on the three-minute she put toward a new Album Release Party track “Ask the River,” album, She Tastes Like $10 in which she turns Music. Noon, Sunday, December 1 flowing water into a Both the LP and a metaphor for her life new book of poetry, Carmen’s De La Calle Café and art. The soulful She Lives in Music, are 320 N. Flores St. singing and spoken being released this words deliver a perfect month. (210) 281-4349 dynamic to enrich “Whenever we listen Carmensdelacalle.com the soul-inspired jazz to music that resoAlso featuring MC² & Tha track. nates with us, it is an S.O.U.L. and The Foreign Arm Both She Tastes Like experience that we feel Music and She Lives in sometimes in other Music have a digital parts of our body,” said release of November 8, but Sanderson Sanderson, who also sings and raps in will have copies of the album and the indie rock and soul outfit The Foreign book for sale at her December 1 release Arm. “Whether it be in our taste buds, show at Carmen’s De La Calle Café. in our sense of touch, in our memories

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BAD BUNNY

Saturday, November 9

While it might seem odd, to say the least, that one of the biggest stars in the world right now has chosen Freeman Coliseum as the venue for his San Anto tour stop, we like to think of it as proof that Bad Bunny is truly como la gente. Hailing from Puerto Rico, the young Latin trap and reggaeton artist has seen his star rise quickly amid the surging popularity of Latin music over the past several years. Though he initially gained fame on SoundCloud, Bunny has been quick to parlay one success into yet another, larger success thanks to collabs with Jennifer Lopez, Drake, Becky G, Cardi B and J Balvin — they dropped an album together last summer. Bunny’s debut release, 2018’s X 100pre, is still getting heavy listens and airplay from fans and DJs who can’t get enough of his penchant for making Latin music with American pop influences and that shift it more firmly into the U.S. mainstream. Shit, the Freeman hasn’t looked this relevant in a while. $63-$599, 8 p.m., Freeman Coliseum, 3201 E. Houston St., (210) 226-1177, ticketmaster.com. — James Courtney Shutterstock

DJ SNOOPADELIC Wednesday, Nov. 6

What can be said about legendary entertainer Snoop Dogg that we don’t already know? The D-O double G from the L-B-C has a game diverse as they come. Rapper extraordinaire. Actor. Game-show host. Pop Warner football coach of his son’s team. World-class marijuana enthusiast. He returns in DJ form while spinning some greatest hits. “Come hang out with DJ Catwalk at the Pre-Showizzle Party Schizzle starting at 5 p.m. on the Will Naylor Smith River Walk Plaza.” Those are the Tobin’s words. Not Snoop’s. $45-$89.50, 8 p.m., Tobin Center, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org. — Jay Nanda

DAVID BROMBERG QUINTET

Thursday, November 7

KERO KERO BONITO

Wednesday, November 6

TR/ST

Friday, Nov. 8

KATASTRO

With catchy singles “Flow” and “Waste the Night” toeing the line between spoken-word and singer-songwriter styles, Katastro has carved out a unique place in alt-rock. The band, formed in 2007, is heading to San Antonio as part of its Tropical Heartbreak Tour. $15-$18, 7 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — RC

Shutterstock

top pick

Lovers of classic country and bluegrass are likely to find plenty to like in David Bromberg’s fluid guitar playing and bluesy vocals. Bromberg’s instrumental skills have also made him a sought-after session player, having backed up Jerry Jeff Walker, Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan to name a few. $35-$65, 7:30 p.m., Tobin Center for Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Cir. (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org. — RC

Melding ’90s bubblegum pop with fuzzed-out, My Bloody Valentine-inspired indie rock, London-based Kero Kero Bonito are the shiny ear treat you never knew you needed. $16-$18, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx. com. — Chris Conde

Previously known as Trust, TR/ST is the electronic brainchild of Canadian producer Robert Alfons. Currently touring for his 2019 release The Destroyer — Part I, Alfons is bringing trippy electro-pop beats and dreamy vocal runs to San Antonio. $15-$20, 7 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — Rhyma Castillo

top pick

ISSUES, POLYPHIA, JUST A DREAM

What do Issues, which have played places from Warped to Wembley, have in common with Foo Fighters, Twenty-One Pilots and Fall Out Boy? They’re among 22 artists “shaping the future of rock” according to Kerrang mag. The Beautiful Oblivion tour is probably the best place for San Antonians to judge for themselves, but that should hardly be a problem for a band that has one of the most dedicated followings in recent memory. Just A Dream has the honor of being the only local band warming things up. $25-$70, 5:30 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre. com. — JN

Shutterstock

FEA ALBUM RELEASE Saturday, November 9

San Anto’s own Chicana riot grrrl punk powerhouse FEA has undergone a few lineup changes since releasing its nationally lauded eponymous debut in 2016, but its core — former Girl in a Coma members Phanie Diaz and Jenn Alva — have more than held it together. After the critical acclaim of that album, which dealt in excoriating, head-on fashion with themes of misogyny, homophobia, xenophobia and racism, FEA is now a foursome but with the same fearsome prowess. This special show will find the group celebrating the release of its anticipated sophomore album No Novelties before heading out on a huge supporting tour. Truth be told, though, FEA really hasn’t stopped touring since its first album, even soldiering on through the lineup changes. $5, 8 p.m., Bang Bang Bar, 119 El Mio Dr, (210) 320-1187, thebangbangbartx.com. — JC

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music | music Picks top pick

ber 15, and Saturday, November 16 — at Gruene. That could allow enough time to unearth a tune or two from bandleaders Patterson Hood’s and Mike Cooley’s first 1990 album Town Burned Down, back when they were known as Adam’s House Cat. Can’t get enough variations of DBT? Arrive early to see the group’s keyboardist and multi-instrumentalist warm things up solo style. $35, 7 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday, Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, (830) 606-1281, gruenehall. com. — JN

NICK COLIONNE, PAUL TAYLOR

Shutterstock

BROCKHAMPTON Wednesday, November 13

On tour in support of a new album called Ginger, Brockhampton matches ’90s rap rawness like Wu-Tang Clan with the edginess of 2019 avant-garde artists. While it’d be easy to dismiss these cats as hipster bait, there is a level of skill and intention, as evidenced by their astute lyrical and production skills. Also, with lyrics like “I spit my heart out, lookin’ out for my best interests / He gave me good head, peepin’ out while the windows tinted” and “I told my mom I was gay, why the fuck she ain’t listen?” it’s also clear the members aren’t concerned about being alienated for being visibly queer. $37.50-$55, 7 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — CC

Saturday, November 9

GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV, LUKE SITAL SINGH

Isakov is bringing a folk vibe to SA, but don’t make the mistake of thinking he’s all about happy, feel-good tunes. The indie singer-songwriter traffics in considerably darker material. After all, he recently landed a song, “San Luis,” on the weepfest hit TV show This Is Us. $31, 7 p.m., Aztec Theater, 104 N. St. Mary’s, (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — Mike McMahan

Tuesday, November 12

WITH CONFIDENCE

With Confidence brings a boatload of pop-punk catchiness all the way from Down Under. They list Blink-182 as an influence, so that should provide a good idea of what to expect. And then there’s the koalas and stuff. $16, 6 p.m., Rock Box, 1223 E. Houston St., (210) 255-3833, therockboxsa.com. — MM

THE MENZINGERS, TIGERS JAW, CULTURE ABUSE

Philly’s The Menzingers are supporting a brand-new Epitaph release, Hello Exile. The band mixes elements of indie rock with a post-hardcore vibe, particularly in

Alamo City Jazz Series is bringing sweet, sultry horns and grooves to the Empire. Colionne, who’s touring in support of Just Being Me, is the only artist to score five consecutive No. 1 singles on the Billboard Smooth Jazz National Airplay and Smooth Jazz Songs charts from the same album. Taylor, meanwhile, is sure to have the audience reveling in his saxophone workouts of blues, funk, pop, soul, and yes, even reggaeton. $62.25-$67.75, 8 p.m.,

Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, 226 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 226-5700, majesticempire.com. — JN

SIMPLE PLAN, WE THE KINGS, STATE CHAMPS

Ah, Simple Plan and We the Kings — two bands that represent the peak of the Warped Tour era of pop-punk. The headliners are joined by State Champs, a prolific act that formed in 2010 and now has three EP’s and three full-length albums. $34-$51, 5:30 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre. com. — RC

SMART BOYZ, OTTO EROTIC, BATTERED IMAGE, WOLFANGS

This free show is almost guaranteed to be a no-frills, no-bullshit, hot-rawkin’ good time. Four raucous local acts serve up four slightly different takes of the sweet spot where classic riff-rooted hard rock meets fuck-all punk. Free, 9 p.m., The Mix, 2423 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 735-1313, themix-sa.com. — JC

top pick

the vocals of Greg Barnett. Support comes from fellow Pennsylvanians Tigers Jaw and Epitaph label mates Culture Abuse. $18-$20, 7 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — MM

Thursday, November 14

IMMORTAL TECHNIQUE

Matching ferocious flows with political lyrics, Immortal Technique continues to cement his place in hip-hop. $25, 7 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — CC

ICE NINE KILLS, FIT FOR A KING, LIGHT TORCH AND MORE

Ice Nine Kills, Fit for a King, Light Torch and more are joining forces to bring San Antonio to its knees with an array of heavy sounds. One thing for sure, you’d better bring your earplugs to this show. Hearing damage is real, people. $23-$38, 5 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — RC

Friday, November 15

DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS

The acclaimed alt-country rockers, touring to support new release American Band, have booked two nights — Friday, Novem-

Shutterstock

TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND

Thursday, November 14 Once upon a time, there were two bands. One was fronted by a former teenage prodigy, a blues and psychedelic guitar wizard descended from classic rock royalty. The other was fronted by a newcomer to the scene, a woman with a mastery of the blues well beyond her years and a set of pipes most singers would kill for. For the uninitiated, these folks are Derek Trucks, nephew of the Allman Brothers’ Derek Trucks, and

Grammy-nominated solo artist Susan Tedeschi. The pair got married, met in the middle and formed a happily-ever-after touring act. Tedeschi Trucks Band recently covered Derek & The Dominos’ entire Layla album with special guest Trey Anastasio of Phish fame, which should tell you something about the kind of classic sounds they purvey. Look for the band to bring a similar vibe to the Tobin, highlighting both of the leaders’ skillsets. $39.50, 7:30 p.m., Tobin Center, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org. — Mike McMahan

CURRENT | November 6-19, 2019 | sacurrent.com

music | music Picks 39TH ANNUAL TEJANO MUSIC AWARDS + DANCE

top pick

Saturday, November 16

Bringing the heat just in time for this cooler weather, the 39th Annual Tejano Music Awards and Dance returns to San Antonio to turn up the heat. The event will include an award ceremony featuring performances by Las 3 Divas’ Stefani Montiel, “Mi Vida Mi Mundo” singers Shutterstock Roger Velasquez & The Latin Legends and the Latin Breed, originally formed in 1969 by former Sunny and the Sunliners sax player Rudy Guerra. A dance will take place following the awards featuring Grammy Award winning accordionist Sunny Sauceda, David Farias and Ram Herrera. For more information and a full list of the performers visit tejanomusicawards.com. Dance ticket ($20) sold separately. $35-$125, 9:30 p.m., Scottish Rite Auditorium, 308 Avenue E. — Chris Conde

Friday, November 15

MELLOW FELLOW

Mellow Fellow’s tunes have been described as relaxing, dreamy, and of course, mellow. In fact, it might be a challenge not to be lulled into slumber or a hypnotic trance when the singer-guitarist takes the stage five days removed from the Tropicalia Festival in Pomona, California. Hell, Mellow might even take it as a compliment if heads nod and eyelids droop. But alas, the point is to enjoy the performance of this budding independent Internet artist. So, grab a coffee on the way if you’re prone to drifting off. $14-$17, 7 p.m. Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — JN

MANÁ

The most successful Latin American act of all time brings its silky-smooth Latin pop stylings to town to remind us that the Latin takeover began way before reggaeton even existed. $51-$823, 8 p.m., AT&T Center, One AT&T Center, (210) 444-5000, attcenter.com. — JC

Saturday, November 16

THE REPLOIDS, HONEYBUNNY, BLOWN LIGHTS

Space rock, indie pop and prog rock walk into a bar… And, the bar is called The Mix. But the diversity of this bill teaming Austin’s The Reploids with SA’s Honeybunny and Blown Lights is no joke. Free, 9 p.m.,

The Mix, 2423 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 735-1313, themix-sa.com. — JC

Sunday, November 17

JADEN + WILLOW SMITH

Holding it down in their own respective genres, trap rapper Jaden Smith and alt-R&B singer Willow Smith are slowly but surely outgrowing the shadow of their parents, Hollywood A-listers Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. $27.50-$49.50, 7 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — CC

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LA-Metalachi have become mainstays at this point, thanks to the band’s mariachi-inspired covers of classic rock and metal songs from artists like Black Sabbath and Guns N’ Roses. What could be more puro than that? $10-$15, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410, N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — CC

Tuesday, November 19

RYAN BINGHAM

Ryan Bingham’s rollicking Americana-rock mash ups and his craggy, bluesy voice translate into a live show that ratchets up the energy level and dynamism of his solid compositions. Expect him to accentuate the rock sound in places and damp it down in others. $35-$59.50, 7 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — JC

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Let’s pitch in. ACROSS 1 Wading bird 5 “Lethal Weapon” cop 10 “Whip It” group 14 Standard level 15 “Invisible Cities” author Calvino 16 In a frenzy 17 Provable 18 Some nightclub performances 20 Start of a quip 22 “___ Billie Joe” 23 ___-Cone 24 Support system 27 One-___ (rare events) 31 Digging animals 33 Head-in-elbow motion 36 Part 2 of the quip 39 “The Mikado” accessories 41 Farmyard refrain 42 Mix up 43 Part 3 of the quip 46 Sean Lennon’s mom 47 Father Sarducci of old “SNL” 48 “Entertainment Tonight” alum John 49 Polo Grounds slugger Mel 50 Has been 53 “J’Accuse” author Zola 58 End of the quip

62 Reproduces by hand, maybe 65 “Buenos ___!” 66 Tandoori, e.g. 67 Clear the whiteboard 68 “___ Man of Constant Sorrow” 69 Like some memes 70 Portable dwellings 71 French Open surface DOWN 1 Split 2 Uninterested 3 “Go, me!” 4 Silvery food fish 5 Loaded (with) 6 “___ have to wait” 7 “The Ballad of Reading ___”: Wilde 8 Is brilliant 9 Existentialist Kierkegaard 10 “Fantastic Mr Fox” author Roald 11 Comedian Philips 12 Covenant 13 Approvals 19 Play-reviewing aid 21 Blanket material 24 Popeye’s rival 25 Lacquer ingredient 26 2019 World Series player 28 Author Jonathan Safran ___

29 ___ gras (food banned by New York City) 30 Actor Ulrich 32 Breakfast drinks 33 Kitteh’s counterpart, in pet slang 34 Nearly 35 Hit the ground hard, in skating 37 Drink for the pinot gallery? 38 Makes a row in a garden, say 40 Time zone abbr. 44 “America’s Got Talent” judge Mandel 45 “That was close” 51 Plus column entry 52 Beach location 54 Doc on a battlefield 55 Related to a hipbone 56 Guanaco’s cousin 57 Short paper 58 Secret signal 59 “Kindergarten Cop” director Reitman 60 Brooding spot 61 Tests for prospective Ph.Ds 62 Fish and chips fish 63 Zoologist’s eggs 64 It may stain when leaking ANSWER ON PAGE 19

Research Scientist (San Antonio, TX) In charge of research projects, dvlp product specs, & conduct psychometric services. Enhance eMetric's score reporting & test delivery platforms along w/ conducting studies to test their functionality, dvlp new data forensic methods that incl response time modeling used for detecting test-takers' aberrant behaviors, & create innovative automatic essay scoring tools. Collaborate w/ business analysts to author product specs, supervise data verification analyses w/ data analysts, & perform psychometric consulting services such as item analysis, test equating, & score reporting. Reqs Ph.D. in Educational Measurement or Quantitative Psychology/ Psychometrics. Apply to: eMetric LLC. 211 N. Loop 1604, Ste 170, San Antonio, TX 78232. Attn: HR.

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The Octagon Group Corporation seeks a Finance Director to work in San Antonio, TX to develop and implement strategic plans to earn the highest possible return on capital and to promote revenue, profitability, and growth for the company’s private real estate investment portfolio using knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). 30% domestic travel and 10% international travel required. Submit resume to mcooper@octagongc.com. Must put job code FD001.

Software Engineer (San Antonio, TX) Dvlp new features in iTester application using C#, .NET Core, Javascript & SQL Server; Participate in backlog grooming, dsgn/improve features reqd for summative & formative assessments in K-12 edu; Improve the scalability & performance of application especially on student test taking path; Work w/ docker images using Kubernetes orchestration; Migrate d/bases & iTester infrastructure to Azure cloud; Automate repeatable tasks as part of Internal Tools initiative using Nodejs, React, Dynamodb & Javascript (ECMAScript 8); Build d/base continuous integration & continuous deployment pipeline for iTester d/bases using RedGate, powershell & Gitlab. Reqs Masters in Mgmt Info Systems or Comp Sci w/ 2 yr related exp. Apply to: eMetric LLC, 211 N. Loop 1604, Ste 170, San Antonio, TX 78232. Attn: Ms. Tang.

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