San Antonio’s Jazz Scene: A Melodious Story
San Antonio is often recognized for its vibrant culture and food scene, but there’s a harmonizing force that might not immediately come to mind: **jazz**. If you think of music that tells the story of this city, you might lean towards Tejano or country. But make no mistake, jazz has carved out a meaningful niche in this lively landscape.
A Dedication to Jazz
At the heart of San Antonio’s jazz scene is its only dedicated jazz radio station, KRTU 91.7 FM, nestled at Trinity University. General Manager J.J. Lopez reflected on the station’s journey since it began focusing on jazz in 2002. “We had a choice… Do we go classical, freeform, or jazz?” Lopez recalls, with the community’s love for jazz steering the decision. “Community support for a non-commercial radio station is everything,” he emphasized, highlighting that KRTU fills a unique void on the FM dial.
Local Legends
Jazz in San Antonio is not just about broadcasting, it’s about the **great musicians** who have shaped its legacy. One of the most notable figures is Jim Cullum Jr., who truly **put San Antonio on the jazz map** with his renowned Riverwalk Jazz program. Cullum’s tribute to this genre began with the opening of **The Landing**, the first nightclub along the famed Riverwalk. This establishment became a sanctuary for jazz lovers, with music echoing through the streets every night.
His son, Chris Cullum, now carries forward his father’s legacy through his own restaurants, **Cullum’s Attaboy** and **Cullum’s Attagirl**. Reflecting on his time at The Landing, Chris described the energy of jazz nights, saying, “The band would be going nuts. Everyone’s clapping and drinking and partying.” It’s these memories that inspire the ambiance of his establishments today.
A Rich Heritage Passed Down
Jazz has a distinctive characteristic known as **mentorship**, where seasoned artists pass on their knowledge to aspiring musicians. This tradition continues with professionals like Dr. Adrian Ruiz, Director of Jazz Studies at St. Mary’s University. “It has to be this perpetual kind of apprenticeship situation,” Ruiz suggested, emphasizing the importance of preserving the art form. He also plays a crucial role in the university’s annual jazz festival coinciding with Fiesta, introducing a new generation to the joys of jazz.
A Celebrated Community
The **Chitlin Circuit**, a term used to describe the venues that supported African American artists during segregation, used to include San Antonio. Mayor Ron Nirenberg proudly noted, “We were on the trail.” This history ensured that iconic jazz figures like Ella Fitzgerald and Miles Davis graced local stages, infusing the city with rich musical traditions.
Jazz enthusiasts also look forward to annual events like **Jazz’SAlive**, a free festival that highlights an array of performances, showcasing the multicultural essence of jazz to all who attend. As Eliana Mijangos, involved in promoting the festival, explained, “We want to highlight what we have here locally.” For her, the festival is filled with beautiful memories that keep the spirit of jazz alive.
The Future of Jazz in San Antonio
Even as other musical genres rise and eclipse, local jazz advocates believe it’s here to stay. Chris Cullum points out, “There are other genres that will overshadow it, but it’s been here all along.” Jazz, with its roots deeply planted in San Antonio, has stories to tell and emotions to evoke, inviting everyone to discover its beauty.
So, the next time you think of San Antonio’s musical heart, remember the mellow tones of jazz, echoing through its vibrant neighborhoods, calling out to all who listen.
