As if San Antonio needed another needed another struggling music venue, Gatsby’s (http://www.thegatsbysa.com/) comes to the rescue! Located off 1604 and Stone Oak Parkway, in the Sonterra shopping center, Gatby’s has successfully cornered off the live-music-venue-slash-bar market for the uppity hipster crowd. And it is not faring well.
Formerly the Cigar Club, another sinking ship, Gatsby’s boasts of attractive drink specials and a shiny crowd however it lacks grit making it come off as another flash in the pan. Upon morphing the Cigar Club to a music venue a month ago, owner Jacob Larkey hoped to make it the next “it” place in the San Antonio music scene. “It’s hard to book certain bands,” he said, “because some have this preconceived notion that we can’t pack the house.”
He went on to mention how the lease has a ban on smoking. “We can’t allow anyone to smoke in here. That REALLY takes all of the roll out of rock ‘n’ roll. And that really drags down the crowd which is backwards because we used to be a cigar club,” he said.
Despite his frustrations with the building code, it is very apparent that the restrictions affect their numbers. Jonathan Velazquez, bartender, said, “If we can’t attract larger crowds, no one is gonna want to play to an empty room. We’ve got great drink specials throughout the week – I’m talking cheap, especially for this area – but people love their cigarettes.”
In fact, twenty-eight Texas cities and 24 states have passed legislation banning smoking in public places. Some bar owners, like Larkey, say the legislation could hurt business.
Larkey said, “Yeah, this really puts a cramp on our style. We’d really like to be the next Sam’s or something cool. Without the bands, though, we are stuck between a rock and a hard place.”
Other than the dance area by the stage being somewhat small, and the sound system not overwhelming patrons, Larkey might have a chance. More DJs than bands are booked at the moment, but Larkey says he’s planning to build out the schedule in an attempt to become a go-to club for live music in San Antonio.
“With the additon of a patio, I think we’ll pick up momentum. And school starts back up soon. Word of mouth is spreading and I am thinking positively,” Larkey said.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Rock Out at Boot Camp
Make your dreams of becoming a rock star true this August! The Community of the Music Industry and Arts is making those dreams come true with their Rock Star Boot Camp. It’s rolling registration is ongoing and enticing many around the city.
Chris Lieck, CEO of COMIA, said the program allows people to observe the reality of the music industry beyond what they see on TV.
COMIA is educating young and old musicians; they are learning not just how to play guitar and dream about the spotlight, but learning the business, recording, marketing and video side of the "bidness" and putting it all together. The classes offer one-on-one instruction in each aspect of the industry, which is something Lieck said can’t be offered in a classroom.
COMIA offers four sets of business classes and two sets of marketing classes. There are also a number of labs that students can take to hone their skills.
Rae Drady, COMIA public relations manager said, “These classes are great for those that are especially creative and haven’t had the success in traditional music programs. They’re going to receive individual attention here.”
The summer sessions will run for eight weeks, and the Saturday sessions will start in the fall for students who want to continue.
The Boot Camp is located at 10886 Hillpoint Drive. Prices range between $299 and $399. For more information, call (210) 317-0364.
Chris Lieck, CEO of COMIA, said the program allows people to observe the reality of the music industry beyond what they see on TV.
COMIA is educating young and old musicians; they are learning not just how to play guitar and dream about the spotlight, but learning the business, recording, marketing and video side of the "bidness" and putting it all together. The classes offer one-on-one instruction in each aspect of the industry, which is something Lieck said can’t be offered in a classroom.
COMIA offers four sets of business classes and two sets of marketing classes. There are also a number of labs that students can take to hone their skills.
Rae Drady, COMIA public relations manager said, “These classes are great for those that are especially creative and haven’t had the success in traditional music programs. They’re going to receive individual attention here.”
The summer sessions will run for eight weeks, and the Saturday sessions will start in the fall for students who want to continue.
The Boot Camp is located at 10886 Hillpoint Drive. Prices range between $299 and $399. For more information, call (210) 317-0364.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Underground Jazz Resurfaces in SA
Underground jazz jam sessions make a resurgence on the San Antonio music scene for the month of July. Starting Thursday, July 9, Studio 509 will play host to jazz band jam sessions that are open to the public every Thursday night from 10 pm to 1 am.
Studio 509, a relatively unpublicized, unknown local hangout, has long been THE scene for all things underground in the SA music world. It is no surprise that the establishment has decided to improve its cool quotient by adding a jazz jam session to its lineup.
Sara Dawson, manager for 509, indicates a strong response so far. “Since we don’t advertise very much, word of mouth has been quite impressive in our big, small town. Those that know how to get here have been stopping by all week with questions and requests to play at certain times but it is basically on a first come, first serve basis.”
A local jazz musician, who requested to remain anonymous, sits nearby attempting to tune his rhythm guitar. He expresses relief at 509’s decision to include the “forgotten jazz musician.” He goes on to say, “Finally a forum for the solo musicians to get out and play with others – and maybe band together and create art. That’s how all the greats did it.”
There has been a recent drought in clubs that premiered the jazz musician until now. "Studio 509 is like a breath of fresh air," Ashley Feraude, jazz DJ at Trinity University. "There are many places in town where you can go to hear jazz but they don't entirely embody the gritty, smelly basement click spot that is common in genuine jazz clubs. 509 is a cool place and will more than likely bring in some really great musicians. If only for a month."
For more information, stop by studio 509 located at 509 San Pedro Ave., between the hours of 10 pm and 1 am. There is a charge of $5 at the door.
Studio 509, a relatively unpublicized, unknown local hangout, has long been THE scene for all things underground in the SA music world. It is no surprise that the establishment has decided to improve its cool quotient by adding a jazz jam session to its lineup.
Sara Dawson, manager for 509, indicates a strong response so far. “Since we don’t advertise very much, word of mouth has been quite impressive in our big, small town. Those that know how to get here have been stopping by all week with questions and requests to play at certain times but it is basically on a first come, first serve basis.”
A local jazz musician, who requested to remain anonymous, sits nearby attempting to tune his rhythm guitar. He expresses relief at 509’s decision to include the “forgotten jazz musician.” He goes on to say, “Finally a forum for the solo musicians to get out and play with others – and maybe band together and create art. That’s how all the greats did it.”
There has been a recent drought in clubs that premiered the jazz musician until now. "Studio 509 is like a breath of fresh air," Ashley Feraude, jazz DJ at Trinity University. "There are many places in town where you can go to hear jazz but they don't entirely embody the gritty, smelly basement click spot that is common in genuine jazz clubs. 509 is a cool place and will more than likely bring in some really great musicians. If only for a month."
For more information, stop by studio 509 located at 509 San Pedro Ave., between the hours of 10 pm and 1 am. There is a charge of $5 at the door.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
UIW Student Selected to Compose Fight Song
One of the University of the Incarnate Word’s very own students has been selected to compose the new football team’s fight song. Jason Stiggers, a business student in his final year at UIW is elated by the opportunity to utilize his musical acumen and give back to the university.
It’s no surprise to learn, with that kind of spirit, he started playing in church as a youth. From there he branched out to other venues like small parties and festivals to clubs when he got older.
Discovered only a short while ago at UIW’s Asian Festival, representatives were impressed by, not only his talent, but by his on-campus reputation for being a hard worker and dedicated student – someone that embodies the UIW spirit.
“I’m getting antsy,” Stiggers proclaims, while talking about the upcoming football season. “All eyes will be on UIW cause this is our inaugural year; I’d like to think a little of that attention will fall on the school fight song.”
Stiggers graduates in the fall and is going on to pursue jobs in the business field but would also like to keep his foot in the door as far as music is concerned.
“I know it’s rough trying to balance a career and a hobby I am passionate about but my time at UIW has taught me many things like time management and achieving my dreams. I am ready.”
Sounds like a good fight song in the making.
It’s no surprise to learn, with that kind of spirit, he started playing in church as a youth. From there he branched out to other venues like small parties and festivals to clubs when he got older.
Discovered only a short while ago at UIW’s Asian Festival, representatives were impressed by, not only his talent, but by his on-campus reputation for being a hard worker and dedicated student – someone that embodies the UIW spirit.
“I’m getting antsy,” Stiggers proclaims, while talking about the upcoming football season. “All eyes will be on UIW cause this is our inaugural year; I’d like to think a little of that attention will fall on the school fight song.”
Stiggers graduates in the fall and is going on to pursue jobs in the business field but would also like to keep his foot in the door as far as music is concerned.
“I know it’s rough trying to balance a career and a hobby I am passionate about but my time at UIW has taught me many things like time management and achieving my dreams. I am ready.”
Sounds like a good fight song in the making.
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