After a six-year absence, an intimate concert series is hoping to reignite San Antonio’s passion for live music. London-based Sofar Sounds is relaunching in Alamo City starting January 30, bringing intimate performances to unexpected local sites.
Founded in 2009, the company operates on the thrill of discovery. Locations are not disclosed until after the curious guest buys the ticket. Although the scheduled San Antonio shows promise to be held at a “local business,” the sets can be almost anywhere, from museums to private residences to caves.
Performers are kept under wraps, too. The platform teases a few details, like the pre-show deejay or whether alcohol will be on hand, but otherwise asks guests to keep an open mind. Sofar operates in over 250 global cities, giving it a large network of possible headliners.
Ed Sheeran performs at a Washington, D.C. home.Photo by Mauricio Castro.
Although Sofar has branched out to comedy, singles events, and dance in recent years, music remains at its heart. According to a press release, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Olivia Dean, Hozier, and Olivia Dean are among the artists who got an early start performing on the Sofar stage. It has boasted 164 Grammy nominations in the past five years from its alumni.
Still, local producer Jeff Doggett says he plans to keep the focus on being “by San Antonio, for San Antonio.” He has partnered with community network SA Creatives “to ensure our shows truly reflect the energy and artists that make this city special.”
Limited tickets are now available for the first local show. General admission passes run $35 with a $50 upgrade, including a wine tasting led by The Sip Society and a pre-show set from DJ Mars. The series will next pop up in San Antonio on Valentine's Day, February 14.
