Rain did not dampen the spirits of hundreds of music fans who filled up the Aztec Theatre on the night of September 16 in celebration of Diez y Seis de Septiembre.
It was a festive atmosphere inside the Aztec as the attendees celebrated Mexican Independence Day throughout the historic downtown venue. Music lovers reveled in the sounds of Siempre Selena, the tribute band for Selena y Los Dinos, and catch sets from "Queen of the Accordion" Eva Ybarra y Su Conjunto, and the local DJs of the Chulita Vinyl Club.
Wherever Siempre Selena goes, throngs of fans of the beloved late superstar singer follow. Dozens of fans wore Selena shirts, and a few even dressed up as the Tejano performer. There was also a steady of line of visitors for Printed Apparel, which screen printed Selena tribute shirts all night.
On stage, Chulita Vinyl Club members played a range of Tejano and Norteño songs to kick off an evening of local and regional music talent. In the lobby, mariachis covered their own variety of classic tunes.
Cerveceria Minerva, an independent brewery located in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico was busy handing out samples. The 16-year-old brewery recently began importing their Dorada de Guadalajara, a golden ale, to the United States. Cerveceria Minerva is currently available only in San Antonio and Los Angeles.
If beer was not one’s preferred choice, fans could enjoy Como la Flor, the featured cocktail of the evening, a blend of peach vodka, peach Schnapps, pineapple, and a splash of cranberry.
But several lucky music fans had surprises in store for them. Representatives from CultureMap San Antonio and Frost Bank were on hand and busy upgrading select people in the general admission line for VIP status.
Those lucky fans were ushered into the theater’s Warrior Room, where they could enjoy television, snacks, and drinks while waiting for the main acts — Ybarra and Siempre Selena — to take the stage. Additionally, fans got to take photos in front of the Aztec’s step-and-repeat wall with props.
Each winner also scored a $10 Frost Bank cash cards and encouraged to #frostiforward. CultureMap and Frost Bank began partnering in June for a new pay-it-forward campaign with monthly pop-up events. The events are designed to delight visitors with cool surprises.
Folks are encouraged to use the cash card to “pay it forward” and share their story on social media. Once posted, individuals then have the chance to win prizes such Austin City Limits Music Festival tickets, or a night’s stay at the Fairmont Austin Hotel.
Those who missed out on the Aztec Theatre show have even more chances to take part as CultureMap San Antonio continues to pop up at different places throughout 2018. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter to find out where we're coming next.
Want to get involved and give back? Visit our San Antonio Charity Guide and read the special stories about how local folks are doing their part to Opt for Optimism as part of special Charity Guide editorial series.
Desire and Daniel.
