From the late '50s and into the early '70s, Patio Andaluz on San Antonio's West Side was the place to be for locals to gather, dance, relax, and socialize. Now, West Side bar Jaime's Place at 1514 W Commerce St. is remembering the legendary club with a special tribute night on Saturday, June 21.

The live music and dance spot that once stood at the corner of West Commerce and Colorado Streets was especially popular with teenagers and young adults who embraced what locals called "the West Side sound" — a vibrant fusion of Chicano, Tejano, rhythm and blues, and jazz.

Bands such as Sunny and the Sunglows, the Royal Jesters, Little Henry and the Laveers, Charlie and the Jives, Rudy and The Reno Bops, and The Dreamliners performed at Patio Andaluz, creating lasting memories for countless current Baby Boomers who grew up locally in that era.

While Patio Andaluz no longer exists, the venue continues to inspire periodical tributes from a new generation and from those who enjoyed the glory years of the former hot spot. The second annual Tribute to Patio Andaluz will feature iconic headliners Henry Lee and Sunny Ozuna, both of whom graced the late club's stage many times.

Patio Andaluz, a live music and social gathering spot, was especially popular with teenagers.Courtesy UTSA Sombrilla Magazine

Renowned local tribute band Eddie and The Valiantswill also play the June 21 show, performing songs by fabled musical acts such as Joe Bravo, Rudy Tee, Dimas Garza, Joe Jama, and Rudy Palacios. DJ Santita will spin vinyl oldies all evening.

Mike Torres III, CEO of NextGen Latinx Records, organized the newest Patio Andaluz event. While events paying tribute to the legacy of Patio Andaluz have unfolded at other sites in recent years, the one taking place at Jaime's Place happens to be right across the street from where Patio Andaluz originally stood.

"It's an open-air lot now, but in the '60s, all these bands came to play there, and all these teenagers came to hang out," Torres says.

Through his work as a musician and heading up a record label, Torres has worked with many musicians who played at Patio Andaluz back in the day.

"A lot of them said the '60s in San Antonio were rough. There were gangs in the neighborhood, but Patio Andaluz was a neutral site," Torres says. "Pictures of the place show that the bandstand was a little lift right off the floor. There was no big sound or light system, but the bands enjoyed playing there anyway."

Torres recalled the inaugural Patio Andaluz tribute event held in 2024 at Jaime's Place, a full bar and live music venue that has become something like Patio Andaluz — a place for locals to gather, have fun, and connect.

Little Henry Lee & the Laveers were a mainstay of Patio Andaluz.Photo courtesy of Mike Torress III

Commemorations like the upcoming tribute night, Torres says, give locals a chance to preserve the vintage West Side sound.

"Last year, we lost Joe Jama, one of the great bassists and singers. We thought we should have this event more often while these guys are still around," Torres says.

At age 81, Ozuna remains busy, performing with his band, The Sunliners, around Texas and across the country. He says the June 21 tribute event will be a fun time for all visitors.

Ozuna saysthere were other social destinations for young San Antonians growing up in the '50s and '60s. Still, for many West Siders, Patio Andaluz was at the top of the list for many of those youths, mainly because it hosted a plethora of bands and car club meetups.

"It was a lifestyle for us musicians because we just went from place to place, but Patio Andaluz felt special," he adds.

Ozuna says he loves that his counterparts, such as Henry Lee, continue to perform and even create new music.

"Henry's motto might as well be 'I don't want to grow up.' Lots of Baby Boomers are tied up in that mindset," he laughs.

Ozuna says the June 21 concert is both a chance for longtime fans to reminisce, for younger generations to learn about the "West Side sound," and for locals to reflect on a unique part of San Antonio's musical heritage.

"We've seen many later generations try to go back to that time when Patio Andaluz was around, but that time was just meant for us who were there," he adds. "But it's always good to play our music for whoever wants to hear it. [June 21] will be a fun time."

Doors for the Tribute to Patio Andaluz will open at 5 pm on July 21. Tickets start at $25.