San Antonio Set to Celebrate 20 Years of Unique Live Art with Buttercup in a Can Revisit
San Antonio is buzzing with excitement as Buttercup prepares to bring back one of its most beloved performances, Buttercup in a Can, this coming Monday, October 28. It’s been a full two decades since the band first transformed ordinary oil drums into a mesmerizing live art experience, and they are set to do it all over again at the La Zona Art Everywhere Popup Gallery. This time around, the event is aptly titled Can/Cant, and promises a delightful blend of nostalgia and innovation.
What to Expect From Can/Cant
For those unfamiliar, the concept revolves around placing tiny convex TVs inside 55-gallon oil drums. However, this isn’t about just watching a performance; attendees are encouraged to wander around the drums to catch snippets of the live show being performed in a secret location on-site. It’s unique, it’s immersive, and it’s bound to add a layer of magic to the live music experience.
Buttercup, comprising singer Erik Sanden, guitarist Joe Reyes, and bassist Odie, has been a staple in the San Antonio music scene since 2004. They are known for their distinctive sound described by NPR as “jangly art rock for the left side of the brain.” It’s a fitting description, given their innovative approach to music and performance.
Reflecting on the Past
As the band prepares for this milestone, they’ve taken time to reflect on their journey. It was a casual cleaning session that led Sanden to discover old DVDs of their past performances, including the documentary *Goodbye Blue Monday*, and it struck him that the anniversary was right around the corner. Odie, who moonlights with NASA Country, salvaged these DVDs from the trash, leading the band to plan this special event. Thanks to Odie’s efforts, they even secured grant funding from the city, allowing the event to come to life.
A New Spin with Old Technology
Fast forward to today, and this performance will boast even more old-school TVs than before. Sanden and his collaborator, Alejandro De Hoyos, have been scavenging for vintage TVs around the city. Their efforts have paid off, as one day they managed to collect up to seven TVs! Interestingly, they need to keep the size of these TVs compact—no more than 14 inches wide or tall—to fit inside the drums.
The performances will not just recycle elements from the past; they’ll also introduce fresh ideas. Buttercup aims to activate every corner of La Zona with various containers, using unexpected items like coffee cans to enhance the performance. The performance draws inspiration from renowned artists and their unique approaches, adding a twist that is distinctly Buttercup.
The Emotional Heart of the Performance
While the structure may seem alienating, Sanden explains that there’s a deeper connection to the audience. “We wanted to fracture the experience,” he shares. His passion for performance is evident, and he emphasizes that without the performance aspect, the band’s artistic expression feels incomplete. Music is, to him, a hierarchy of needs where live performance is at the pinnacle.
Honoring Memories and Community
This event will also recognize those who have passed over the years. De Hoyos’ wife will create an ofrenda in one of the barrels in honor of Día de Muertos, which also coincides with Sanden’s birthday. “It’s a time to celebrate and remember,” he said, highlighting how intertwined their art is with personal connections and community.
Details for the Big Night
Do you want to be part of this unforgettable night? The performance is open to the public with a suggested donation of $20. Gather your friends and experience the fusion of art and music that only Buttercup can deliver. Mark your calendars for 8 p.m. this Monday at La Zona Art Everywhere Popup Gallery located at 337 W. Commerce St.. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it!
As the band prepares for their big night, one can’t help but feel the anticipation and nostalgia hanging in the air. Buttercup invites everyone to join them on this journey through memory, performance, and community. We can’t wait to see what unfolds!
