A summer of live performances and musical experiences are underway in San Antonio. As a certified Music Friendly Community through the Texas Music Office, San Antonio is dedicated to the growth and development of its talented and diverse local music industry. To celebrate the San Antonio music community, we are co-hosting a Make Music Day San Antonio activation at Texas Public Radio Headquarters on the summer solstice of June 21, 2024. Performances by San Antonio bands and musicians will take place from noon to 10 p.m. and – best of all – completely free to attend.

Other ways to celebrate San Antonio music in June:

• June 15: Explore Opera for Kids! by OPERA San Antonio, Classical Music Institute and City of San Antonio Public Library at McCreless Library
• June 18: Freedom! A Juneteenth contemporary choral concert presented by the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum at the Tobin Center for Performing Arts
• June 18: Agarita at the Witte Museum
• June 20: River Walk Live! at the Arneson River Theatre
• June 21: Make Music Day San Antonio; music events and activations held at various city-wide locations including Texas Public Radio Headquarters
• June 22: CMI 210 Festival by the OPERA San Antonio-Classical Music Institute Young Artist Program at the Tobin Center for Performing Arts
• June 22: San Antonio Music Showcase in Historic St. Paul’s Square

This is just a snapshot of the many music events taking place all summer long in San Antonio. For a full line-up of summer arts and culture events, check out our events calendar and follow us @GetCreativeSA.

- Krystal Jones - Director, City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture

Artist Spotlight

Artist Anel Flores displays 30 years of evolving identity at Mexican Cultural Institute

Article written by Nicholas Frank / San Antonio Report, Photo - Artist Anel Flores with her work at the exhibit I Am Home: A Retrospective of Anel Flores with Invited Artists in Queer Kinship. at Mexican Cultural Institute at Hemisfair. Photo Credit: Brenda Bazán / San Antonio Report

There might be no more appropriate word to describe artist and writer Anel Flores than “them.” Though the brush used to color Flores’ paintings might be held by a single hand, the artworks are the product of community.

“I work specifically for queer community, the voices of queer community,” Flores said during a walk-through of their 30-year retrospective of paintings, pastels, drawings, prints and clay sculptures (currently on display) at the Mexican Cultural Institute in Hemisfair. I do think that solo exhibitions are extremely important. And I also feel like there’s a major gap in the arts world for queer voices, queer stories, queer art … and especially in this triangle that is South Texas,” Flores said.

Read the full article

More on artist Anel Flores

Events

Xicanx: Dreamers + Changemakers | Soñadores + creadores del cambio at the Contemporary at Blue Star –

The artists in this exhibition are dreamers and changemakers. Of Mexican-American origin, they self-identify as Xicanx, a term that crosses national borders and gender lines to encompass the Chicano people’s multi-generational experiences of social difference. Currently on display through October 6.

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Bihl Haus Arts Presents FLUX, an Exhibition of Ceramic Art –

James Miller, Lenise Perez-Miller and Sarah Shore are three friends, slinging mud (clay) and unleashing their innermost creativity. Currently on display through June 29.

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Water Ways Exhibition at Ruby City –

The group exhibition Water Ways brings together works that make direct reference to water in addition to those that refer symbolically to it. Here, artists picture swimmers, capture moonlit lakes, re-create a shimmering pool, map unknown watercourses, or depict mythic tales associated with oceans or rivers. Currently on display through July 28.

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“gOD-TALK” [PG-13] Film Screening and Discussion –

The film explores the lives of seven Black Millennials—Atheist, Buddhist, Christians, Muslim, Ifa, and Spiritualist—and the challenges and discoveries with faith and spirituality. Presented by San Antonio African American Community Archive and Musuem at St. Philip's College, June 16.

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URBAN-15's 2024 Summer Solstice Performance –

For the 23rd Year, in celebration of the Summer Solstice, choreographer and dancer Catherine Cisneros will present her solo performance within the lighted squares of Christopher Janney’s “Passing Light” solar sculpture at the San Antonio International Airport on June 21.

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Summer Slay with San Anto Cultural Arts –

Based on suggestions from community meetings, discussing fashion and what the community would like to see in the event, enjoy programming for all ages and costumes at the grand finale fashion face off on June 30th, with special guest appearances!

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San Antonio Stars and Stripes on Houston Street –

Celebrations begin July 1, with the biggest and brightest events happening July 4 -7. On Fourth of July weekend, you can catch Salute at Sunset River Parades on the River Walk, saluting all military branches. A can’t-miss is the Stars and Stripes Concert at the Alamo with living history, live music from the U.S. Air Force Rock Band, and a spectacular drone show. The City’s official celebration offers all-day fun and lights up the sky with a fireworks show at Woodlawn Lake Park.

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The Project: MASA Cosmic Couture Portrait Collection at Centro Cultural Aztlan –

Project: MASA’s mission is to establish an awareness of outer space as an integral part of the Chicana/o modern mythos, reality and iconography. The exhibition is free and on display through July 18.

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Film San Antonio

Galleries

"Resilient and Responsive: Artists and the Environment" Artist Interview: Manuel Davila –

In this video, we chat with Manuel Davila about the art at the current Culture Commons Gallery exhibition “Resilient and Responsive: Artists and the Environment”. Exhibition currently on display through January 17, 2025.

Artwork Credit: Manuel Davila, “Braided Stories No. 1”, 2024. Natural fiber, organic material & natural pigment. Approximately 36 in x 72 in.

More on artist Manuel Davila

More information on the exhibition and gallery hours

Music

Opportunities 

Call for Entries: Online Group Show - Fusion Art –

For this competition, both 2D and 3D artists, worldwide, are invited to submit their best art and photography depicting lines, shapes and objects. Deadline July 4.

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Call for Entries: TXFW/TFIA 2024 Performer Application –

The Texas Fashion Industry Awards (October 6), is the official fashion awards ceremony that serves as the biggest celebration awarding excellence within the Texas fashion industry. Apply to be considered as a musical performer at the Texas Fashion Industry Awards. Deadline July 1. Please send all questions and concerns to txfw@texasfashionindustry.org

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Job Listing: Development & Outreach Manager at San Antono Cultural Arts –

All interested parties may email ExecutiveDirector@SanAnto.org

Job Listing: El Placazo Community Newspaper Program Coordinator at San Antono Cultural Arts –

All interested parties may email ExecutiveDirector@SanAnto.org

Public Art