San Antonio Gears Up for a Musical Celebration
San Antonio is buzzing with excitement as the crew behind Music for Listeners prepares to host not one, but two fantastic concerts to celebrate their 25th anniversary! Can you believe it has been 25 years of curating incredible music and showcasing talented artists? Mark your calendars because things are heating up this weekend!
Mark Your Calendars: Free Concert on September 14
The first concert is happening this Saturday, September 14, at Trinity’s Laurie Auditorium. And the best part? It’s completely free! This concert promises a lineup that will make you tap your feet and bob your head. Joining the festivities will be the quirky pop band Buttercup from San Antonio, alongside the indie-rock sensations Voxtrot and Blushing from Austin. It’s a glorious opportunity to catch some live music without having to reach into your wallet!
October 5: Alt-Country Evening at Lonesome Rose
If alt-country is more your jam, hold on tight because the October 5 show at Lonesome Rose is going to be filled with soulful melodies and heartfelt tunes. The lineup for this night features the Austin locals Cactus Lee and Sentimental Family Band, alongside the Philadelphia-based group Native Harrow. This event has a cover charge of just $10, and it’s sure to be a cozy night out for music lovers searching for something a little different.
The Dynamic Duo Behind the Music
Behind this spectacular musical journey are two passionate radio hosts, Orlando Torres and Michael Thomas. Their love for music runs deep, and it all started back in the vibrant indie-rock scene of the 1990s. Orlando, known for his work on the public access TV show Indie Vision, showcased bands like Radiohead and My Bloody Valentine. Meanwhile, Michael was making waves at KRTU, where he began as a classical DJ before spinning jazzy tunes.
When the station transitioned to a free-form format in 1999, the duo joined forces and the magic happened! Their radio show, Music for Listeners, has become a cornerstone of the local music scene, featuring countless indie-rock singles and helping emerging bands gain exposure.
A Name with Meaning
So, what’s behind the show’s name? Michael shares, “We toyed around with a few ideas like Community Service and Music for Headphones, but eventually, Music for Listeners felt right. It captures that free-form spirit, and you never really know what tunes you’ll hear.”
Breaking New Ground in Music
Orlando adds, “KRTU’s unique because it’s run by volunteers. We have the freedom to play whatever we want, and the romance of being on the radio drives us.” This duo takes pride in their reputation as curators of quality music, always on the lookout for fresh sounds and new acts to introduce to their dedicated listeners.
A Rich History of Musical Moments
Their journey has been sprinkled with memorable experiences, from recording the first American set by Bloc Party to hosting musical icons like Jose Gonzalez at the Limelight. They’ve attended events like SXSW, where they’ve met and interviewed bands, building connections along the way. With over 400 acts featured at their parties, they’ve undoubtedly made a mark on the music landscape in the U.S.
What to Expect This Anniversary Celebration
As the celebration approaches, Michael and Orlando reflect on their long-lasting partnership filled with shared experiences and a mutual love for music. Their upcoming anniversary shows are a chance to not only relive some classic tunes but also to support the thriving local music scene. Michael beams, “Having Voxtrot at our party is significant because they hold a special place in our hearts. They played our session years ago, and now they’re back to celebrate with us!”
Join in the Fun!
So, whether you’re a long-time follower of Music for Listeners or a newcomer looking for a good time, these two shows are events you won’t want to miss. Grab your friends, enjoy the great music, and experience the joy that comes with celebrating 25 years of passion, dedication, and an unwavering love for music!
Here’s to many more years of discovering new sounds and enjoying live performances in San Antonio!
