PechaKucha San Antonio Vol. 48: Celebrating KRTU’s 50th Anniversary

Trinity University is hosting the first PechaKucha of 2026. Photo: Ben Yanto, used with permission.

PechaKucha San Antonio Vol. 48: Celebrating 50 Years of KRTU

PechaKucha San Antonio, the global arts and culture series, is back! Kicking off the 2026 season is Volume 48, a special event honoring the 50th Anniversary of KRTU 91.7 FM. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2026)

Join us for a night of rapid-fire storytelling, local flavors, and community celebration at the historic Laurie Auditorium.


Event Details

  • Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
  • Location: Laurie Auditorium, Trinity University (One Trinity Pl, San Antonio, TX 78212)
  • 6:30 p.m. – Welcome Reception (Live music & bites)
  • 7:30 p.m. – Presentations Begin

Tickets: $10 per person. Available at the door or online (online orders subject to fees).


A Golden Anniversary for KRTU

For five decades, Trinity University has been the heartbeat of San Antonio’s jazz and indie scene. Since flipping the switch as a modest 50-watt station in 1976, KRTU has grown into a cultural powerhouse. It remains a vital hands-on learning lab and holds one of the largest in-studio jazz collections in the nation. This Volume is our tribute to the “grooves” that have defined our city for 50 years.

The Volume 48 Presenters

Our lineup features seven diverse local voices, each sharing their passion in the signature 20×20 format:

SpeakerBackground
Jake PickardPsychologist
Kate RogersWriter + Community Consultant
Sandrine SanosWriter + Scholar + Editor
Tirso SiggArtist + Entrepreneur
Burgin StreetmanWriter + Artist
Michael ThomasListener of Music
Sandra VelasquezCEO + Founder

Emcee: Bria Woods (Multimedia storyteller and Content Director at KRTU).

Live Music: JJ Lopez will be spinning soul, jazz, and disco-twist vinyl during the reception.


Food & Drink

Come hungry! The evening features complimentary bites from some of San Antonio’s favorites:

  • CheeseMé Charcuterie Boards
  • OK Kitchens
  • Roundabout
  • Olla Express Coffee
  • Tio Pelon’s Salsita

Cocktails and other beverages will be available for purchase.


What is PechaKucha?

Pronounced “PEH-chuh KOO-chuh,” this Japanese-inspired format (meaning “chit chat”) challenges speakers to be concise and engaging. Each presenter shows 20 images, and each slide advances automatically every 20 seconds. That’s exactly 6 minutes and 40 seconds to tell a story.

Since its San Antonio debut in 2011, PechaKucha has become a quarterly staple, bringing together architects, artists, and community leaders to share the ideas that move them.

Presented in partnership with The Power of Preservation Foundation.


Photo: PechaKucha San Antonio, used with permission.

St. Paul Square is Transforming San Antonio’s Historic Downtown in 2026

SPRING AT ST. PAUL SQUARE: Free, All-Ages Sunday Programming Returns. Photo: St Paul Square, used with permission.

Spring 2026: Sundays at the Square Returns to St. Paul Square

Experience San Antonio’s historic downtown district through food, wellness, and local artistry.

SAN ANTONIO, TX — St. Paul Square, the historic downtown district turned world-class entertainment destination, is thrilled to unveil its Spring 2026 schedule for Sundays at the Square. (St. Paul Square, 2026)

Produced in partnership with Juntos San Antonio, this admission-free, all-ages weekly event series and farmer’s market is entering its second year with a fresh focus on neighborhood collaboration and intentional, theme-driven programming.

What’s New This Season?

After a massive first year, organizers are moving to a bimonthly format for Spring 2026. This change allows for more curated experiences, blending sustainability, art, and education, while expanding vendor participation and hands-on workshops.


Spring 2026 Event Lineup

March 8 | A Sunday Reset

Theme: Wellness & Rejuvenation Coinciding with Daylight Saving Time, this event invites you to “spring forward” with an energizing wellness reset.

  • The Highlight: A special outdoor sculpt Pilates class hosted by Neko Pilates.
  • Give Back: While the event is free, a $10 donation is requested for Pilates participants to benefit Corazon Ministries.

March 22 | 2nd Annual Spring Plant Swap

Theme: Sustainability & Community Bring your greenery and your green thumb back to the Square for San Antonio’s favorite community market.

  • The Swap: Partnering with Horticultura, guests can swap plants or cuttings for items of equal value.
  • The Workshop: Join a free plant-based education session celebrating the joy of growing together.

April 12 | Savor Sunday

Theme: Culinary Arts & Local Flavors The District’s first-ever celebration of local chefs and ingredients.

  • Live Demo: Chef Matt Garcia of GiGis Deli will host a cooking demonstration using ingredients found right at the farmers market.
  • Tastings: Visit the tasting booth for samples from Bexar’s Delightful Dishes (salsa), San Antonio Honey Company, and Brooks Running Farmstead (sourdough).

April 26 | Cantarito Mercado

Theme: Art & Culture (A Farewell to Fiesta SA) A vibrant wrap-up to the spring season focusing on local creatives.

  • Art Walk: Join Charlotte of ARTCANON for a guided walk spotlighting local artists.
  • Creative Fun: Participate in a free interactive cantarito painting workshop.
  • Refreshments: Enjoy specialty $10 mocktails in take-home clay jars from Bexar’s Delightful Dishes.

About Sundays at the Square

The market is curated by Amalia Fernandez, founder of Juntos San Antonio and a senior at Texas A&M University-San Antonio.

“This season is all about collaboration,” says Fernandez. “By working directly with St. Paul Square’s brick-and-mortar businesses and local creatives, we’re creating programming that naturally encourages guests to explore the entire district.”

Every Sunday, you can expect:

  • The Market: Seasonal organic produce, baked goods, coffee, and handcrafted artisan items.
  • Inclusivity: The event is all-ages and pet-friendly (leashed dogs welcome!).
  • Community: Support for small businesses and neighborhood entrepreneurs.

Plan Your Visit

  • Location: St. Paul Square (100 yards north of the Alamodome).
  • Admission: Free!
  • Parking/Access: A short walk from the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

Contemporary at Blue Star: 2026 Exhibitions, Events, and Artist Opportunities

Mini Art Museum at the Contemporary’s Family Day, 2024. Photo by Bria Woods, used with permission.

Upcoming Exhibitions & Programs at Contemporary at Blue Star

San Antonio, Texas – In 2026, the Contemporary at Blue Star centers its exhibition programming around the theme of community, marking a major milestone: the organization’s 40th anniversary in June 2026. Curator and Exhibitions Director Jacqueline Saragoza McGilvray frames the year as an opportunity to reflect on the Contemporary’s history, the role community has played in shaping the institution, and the ways exhibitions can actively build and strengthen local, national, and international relationships. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2026)

Below is a look at the upcoming exhibitions and programs.


Mark Menjívar: Murmurations

Opening Night: Friday, February 6, 2026 | 6–9 p.m.
Taco Talk: Friday, February 6, 2026 | 10:30–11:30 a.m.
On View: February 6 – May 3, 2026

San Antonio–based artist Mark Menjívar integrates social practice and participatory education models to create intentional community building. His work establishes frameworks for students, community groups, and leaders to engage in critical dialogue around the issues that shape their lives.

Menjívar’s participatory projects often incorporate oral history recording, archive building, publications, and installations that present collective conversations while inviting continued public engagement. Over the last two decades, he has completed more than a dozen multifaceted, long-term projects.

This mid-career survey highlights selected works—including The Luck Archive—while also debuting new projects. Menjívar is currently an Associate Professor in the Interdisciplinary School for Engagement at the University of Texas at San Antonio.


Mini Art Museum

Honoring the Late Mary Cantú

Opening Night: Friday, March 6, 2026 | 6–9 p.m.
On View: March 6 – June 7, 2026

The San Antonio arts community was deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Mary Cantú on February 18, 2025, at age 45. Cantú was a beloved advocate for arts education and served on the Contemporary’s Education Committee from 2014–2016, playing a key role in the development of the Creative Classrooms program and championing free access to art for San Antonio children.

In 2013, Cantú co-founded the Mini Art Museum with Gabriela Santiago. Using standard office binders as gallery “walls,” the Mini Art Museum invited artists to create miniature works sized to fit inside 8.5 × 11-inch plastic sleeves. Featuring original works by professional artists, the museum encourages close observation, often aided by magnifying glasses, creating a sense of wonder and intimacy.

In spring 2024, the Mini Art Museum collection was transferred to the Contemporary. Exhibited here in its entirety and in memoriam of Mary Cantú, the presentation includes over 100 works by artists such as Kim Bishop, Sarah Castillo, Michael Menchaca, and Vincent Valdez, reflecting the profound impact Cantú made on the community.


Roman Franc: Groups Collective

Opening Night: Friday, March 6, 2026 | 6–9 p.m.
On View: March 6 – June 7, 2026

Artist Roman Franc will travel to San Antonio to create new photographs as part of his ongoing Group Pictures / Collectives series. Since 2015, Franc has photographed groups across cultures and geographies, from residents of Tanna Island in the South Pacific to the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C.

San Antonio’s layered and interconnected communities provide a rich setting for this project. In alignment with the Contemporary’s 40th anniversary theme, Groups Collective offers glimpses into a larger whole, reflecting the city’s diversity and collective spirit.

Franc (b. 1983, Brno, Czech Republic) holds an MA in Education from Masaryk University and an MFA in Photography from the Institute of Creative Photography at Silesian University, Opava. His practice focuses on non-traditional portraiture and staged photography, alongside curatorial and publishing work.


Berlin Residency Program

2026–2027 Application Cycle Now Open

Contemporary at Blue Star is now accepting applications from artists living and working in Bexar County for its Berlin Residency Program. Launched in 2013, the program enters its 12th cycle in partnership with Künstlerhaus Bethanien (KB).

Each year, four artists are awarded three-month residencies in Berlin, Germany, with the opportunity to also visit San Antonio’s sister city, Darmstadt, Germany.

Residency Support Includes:

  • $2,000 stipend for travel and living expenses
  • Coverage of all residency program fees, including:
    • Studio and living space
    • Inclusion in the internationally distributed BE magazine
    • Curatorial visits and workshop access

Eligibility guidelines are available through the application link.
Application Deadline: Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 4 p.m.


About Contemporary at Blue Star

Contemporary at Blue Star presents exhibitions featuring artists from San Antonio and around the world, sharing global perspectives that encourage understanding, empathy, change, and action. As a non-collecting contemporary art space, the Contemporary offers fresh insights into cultural and societal issues by highlighting current trends, movements, and conversations in art.

Admission is always free.

Contemporary at Blue Star
116 Blue Star
San Antonio, TX 78204

Discover This High-Demand Wholesale Mug Opportunity Inspired by Vinny the Pug

‘The Life and Times of Vinny the Bug’ inspired a coffee mug collection. Photo: Allen Kimble Jr, used with permission.

Discover a Unique Business Opportunity: The Story Behind Pugona Rock Coffee Mugs

Entrepreneurship holds a powerful appeal for aspiring business owners because it represents possibility, independence, and the chance to create something meaningful from the ground up. For many, the draw lies in the freedom to shape their own path, choosing what to build, how to operate, and which values will guide their work. For those exploring small business opportunities, entrepreneurship opens doors to creativity and financial independence.

Unlike traditional employment, entrepreneurship invites innovation and encourages people to bring their unique ideas to life without waiting for permission. The promise of owning one’s future, transforming passion, skill, and determination into a business that reflects personal values, makes it one of the most compelling business ideas for retailers and future founders.


Meet the Entrepreneur: Allen Yhorst Kimble Jr.

Allen Yhorst Kimble Jr., a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, grew up in the mid-1950s and later entered the United States Air Force. He served one year in Vietnam, eight years across Asia, and completed a total of 11 years of military service. During his time in Southeast Asia, he discovered photography, a hobby he continues to enjoy today and one that eventually influenced his creative work and inspirational entrepreneur story. (Allen Yhorst Kimble Jr., 2025)

In 2001, while living in Orlando, Florida, he adopted a small pug named Vinny. After relocating to Phoenix following the 9/11 attacks, Vinny quickly adapted to the Arizona desert, climbing boulders, exploring rugged landscapes, and inspiring Allen’s picture-story book, “The Life and Times of Vinny The Pug.” This lovable canine would later become the heart behind one of the most unique pet-themed gift brands online.


The Birth of a Business: Pugona Rock Coffee Mugs

A creative and successful entrepreneur, Allen operates a wholesale-only coffee mug web store specializing in dog-themed merchandise. Each design in the Pugona Rock Coffee Mug collection is inspired by the real-life adventures of Vinny the Pug, making them standout products for boutiques, gift shops, bloggers, and anyone seeking unique gift shop merchandise.

Allen doesn’t sell individual mugs. Instead, he partners with retailers interested in wholesale coffee mugs, offering an accessible and profitable reseller opportunity:

  • Minimum order: 12 mugs
  • Wholesale cost: $10 each
  • Typical retail price: $20 each

This margin makes the mug reselling business a strong option for online stores, pet boutiques, artisan markets, and those looking to expand their product sourcing for small businesses with high-demand, story-driven merchandise.

Courtesy photos, used with permission.


Interested in Becoming a Retail Partner?

If you or someone you know is a retail seller seeking bulk mug orders, wholesale mugs, or a fresh coffee mug business opportunity, you can enroll directly in Allen’s wholesale program. There is no cost or fee to join, and early participants receive valuable perks and support as they begin building their retail partnership with Pugona Rock Coffee Mugs.

Sponsored Post


PechaKucha San Antonio Returns to the Tobin Center

The final PechaKucha of 2025 will take place this Thursday November 6. Photo: PechaKucha San Antonio, used with permission.

PechaKucha San Antonio Closes Out 2025 with Volume 47 at the Tobin Center

SAN ANTONIO, TX — PechaKucha San Antonio, the global arts and culture series known for its fast-paced storytelling format, is excited to announce Volume 47 — the final event in its 2025 series. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2025)

📅 Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
📍 Location: Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio, TX 78205
🕕 Schedule:

  • 6:30 p.m. — Welcome Reception
  • 7:30 p.m. — Presentations Begin

A Night of Creativity at the Tobin Center

Nestled along the banks of the San Antonio River, the historic Tobin Center is a downtown landmark that blends its original facade with a state-of-the-art performance space. This beautifully restored venue has become a beacon of creativity, fine art, and urban revitalization and it’s the perfect setting for PechaKucha’s final 2025 event.


Meet the Volume 47 Presenters

This edition of PechaKucha San Antonio will spotlight seven inspiring local voices, each sharing their passions through the signature 20×20 format — 20 images, 20 seconds each.

🎤 Featured Speakers:

  • Debby Andersen – Healer
  • Agosto Cuellar – Fashion Designer / Fashion Activist
  • Attie Jonker – Master Craftsman
  • Juliette Montoya – Salon Owner & Operator
  • Oscar Perez – Chief Everything Officer
  • Ed Saavedra – Visual Artist
  • Tori Santos – Community Choreographer

✨ The evening’s emcee will be Naomi Shihab Nye, San Antonio–based poet, educator, editor, and former Poet Laureate.


Music, Food, and Community

The welcome reception will feature live music by Kitten Mitten, a band of animal-loving friends turning their pets’ antics into anthems, blending heart and humor to amplify both furry and human voices that too often go unheard.

Guests will enjoy complimentary bites from local favorites including:
🍽 Liberty Bar • Tio Pelon’s Salsita • Cheesy Jane’s • Bakery Lorraine • Tobin Catering

The Tobin Center will also offer drinks and cocktails for purchase throughout the night.


Tickets

🎟 Tickets: $10 per person
🔗 Purchase here: Tobin Center


About PechaKucha

PechaKucha (pronounced PEH-chuh KOO-chuh) is a global arts and culture event where presenters share their passions through 20 images x 20 seconds — a total of 6 minutes and 40 seconds per talk.

The format was created by Klein Dytham Architecture in Tokyo in 2003 to encourage creative professionals to share ideas in a concise and engaging way. Since then, PechaKucha has grown to over 1,200 cities worldwide.

San Antonio hosted its first PechaKucha Night in February 2011 and now attracts hundreds of attendees each quarter, featuring architects, artists, makers, academics, community leaders, and more.


Photo: Ben Yanto, used with permission.

Suspicious Minds: A New Docuseries Exploring AI, Delusion, and the Fragile Human Mind

Sean King O’Grady’s AI docuseries Suspicious Minds premieres worldwide on October 17. Photo: Agoric Media, used with permission.

Wondermind and Agoric Media presents:

Suspicious Minds: A New Docuseries on AI and Delusion

Premieres October 17, 2025
Platforms: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Substack, and more


About the Series

Suspicious Minds is a weekly video documentary series and podcast exploring the disturbing rise of artificial intelligence as a trigger for delusional thinking. (Emma Griffiths PR, 2025)

Series One will feature 8 weekly episodes across video and podcast platforms.

Through powerful firsthand accounts and in-depth interviews with leading experts in psychiatry, neuroscience, and AI ethics, the series unpacks a growing psychological phenomenon: individuals developing complex, often life-altering delusions rooted in AI technologies.

From chatbots to surveillance fears, Suspicious Minds examines how emerging technologies reshape paranoia—and how these modern delusions echo, amplify, and challenge our historical understanding of the human mind.


Creative Team

  • Directed & Created by: Sean King O’Grady
  • Executive Producers: Mandy Teefey, Selena Gomez, Jonathon Glucksman, Molly Borman, Jesse Ford, David Tuohy, Sean King O’Grady

Featured Voices

  • Dr. Joel Gold – Writer & Psychiatrist
  • Ian Gold, PhD – Writer & Philosopher
  • Sean King O’Grady – Filmmaker
  • Etienne Brisson – Activist
  • Ryan Turman & Lacey Turman – ChatGPT Delusion Experiencers
  • Allan Brooks – ChatGPT Delusion Experiencer
  • Nick Haber – AI Researcher & Stanford Professor
  • Nate Sharadin – AI Ethicist
  • Dr. Amy Levy – Co-Chair, American Psychoanalytic Association’s Council on AI

A Deeper Look

The series is led by psychiatrist Dr. Joel Gold and philosopher Ian Gold, PhD, who first described the Truman Show Delusion—a belief that one’s life is secretly a reality TV show, inspired by the Jim Carrey film The Truman Show. Their book, Suspicious Minds: How Culture Shapes Madness, provides the foundation for the series.

With empathy, curiosity, and respect, Suspicious Minds tells real patients’ riveting stories, plunging viewers deep into surreal mental states while following journeys toward treatment and recovery. Alongside, interviews with top psychologists, neuroscientists, ethicists, AI researchers, and cultural critics explore how culture and technology intersect to shape the human mind.

The line between mental wellness and illness is fragile. This series raises urgent questions:

  • How do AI and digital technologies act as new psychological triggers?
  • What does this mean for treatment and prevention?
  • How can we create awareness and destigmatize these modern delusions?

About the Director: Sean King O’Grady

Sean King O’Grady is an award-winning filmmaker whose work spans narrative features, documentaries, and branded content. His films have screened at Sundance, Tribeca, Telluride, Berlin, Venice, TIFF, SXSW, Sitges, and Fantastic Fest, among others.

His recent projects include:

  • THE MILL (Hulu Originals, 2023) – Sci-fi thriller starring Lil’ Rel Howery, premiered at #1 on Hulu
  • WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING (IFC Midnight) – Theatrical debut, now streaming on Hulu
  • Documentaries: REVOLUTION: GMC HUMMER EV (History/Hulu) and OUR AMERICAN FAMILY (AMC+), co-directed with Hallee Adelman

📅 Premieres October 17, 2025
🎥 Weekly episodes on YouTube + podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Substack, and more).


Courtesy photo, used with permission.

National Tell a Joke Day Just Got Sweeter Thanks to Damon Wayans Jr. and Laffy Taffy

Got jokes? Here’s your chance to get them printed on Laffy Taffy’s iconic wrapper … if you can make Damon Wayans Jr. laugh. Photo: Laffy Taffy, used with permission.

Make Damon Wayans Jr. Laugh—Your Joke Could End Up on a Laffy Taffy® Wrapper!

CHICAGO – Why did the candy fan call the Laff Line?
For the chance to make comedian, actor, and producer Damon Wayans Jr. laugh—and maybe see their joke printed on a Laffy Taffy® candy wrapper. (Laffy Taffy, 2025)

The beloved candy brand, famous for its classic dad jokes, has teamed up with Wayans to launch its first-ever Laffy Taffy Laff Line—a hilarious hotline for fans to share their punniest original jokes. Winning jokes could land a spot on Laffy Taffy’s new, easier-to-open wrappers.


How to Call the Laffy Taffy Laff Line

📅 When: August 16, National Tell a Joke Day
📞 Number: 1-844-LOL-HOUR (1-844-565-4687)
🕒 Time: 3p.m. – 7p.m. Eastern Time (aka “Laffy Hour”)

During Laffy Hour, select callers will get the chance to tell their joke directly to Wayans and his “Laff Squad”—a team of comedians from Zanies Chicago—hoping to make them laff out loud.

Joke Guidelines:

  • 100 characters or less
  • Must follow the classic Laffy Taffy format: setup + punchline (up to 50 characters each)

Wayans will also share some of his own one-liners back to callers.

“I like to consider myself a dad joke expert, so I’m excited to hear some fresh material,” said Wayans. “Do you have what it takes to make me laugh? If so, give me a ring!”


New Wrappers, Same Sweet Laughs

Laffy Taffy Mini Bars now feature a smooth, easy-open wrapper—no more sticky or shredded packaging—while still serving up that signature creamy candy. With the new look, the brand is also refreshing its jokes, inviting fans themselves to help write the next batch.

“These moments of connection bring joy to our fans every day,” said Ashley Incarnato, Senior Marketing Director at Ferrara Candy Company. “With Damon Wayans Jr., the Laffy Taffy Laff Line is the perfect way to connect with our community, give them the chance to test their comedic chops, and bring more laughter to families of all generations.”


Win a Spot on a Laffy Taffy Wrapper

All callers can submit their original joke for a chance to be printed on Laffy Taffy wrappers sold nationwide. Jokes will be judged on humor, originality, creativity, and brand fit.

Prizes:

  • Top 100 jokes printed on wrappers
  • Winners receive a custom bag of Laffy Taffy Mini Bars with an exclusive preview of fellow winners’ jokes

About Laffy Taffy®

Since 1971, Laffy Taffy® has been bringing little bites of delight to families everywhere. Its lineup includes classic mini bars, Stretchy and Tangy bars, and Laffy Taffy Ropes, available in flavors like Cherry, Strawberry, Grape, Watermelon, Sour Apple, Banana, and Blue Raspberry.


Contest Details:
No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18+. Void where prohibited. Begins 3p.m. ET August 16, 2025, ends 7p.m. ET August 16, 2025. Full contest rules

Alternative Nation: Chicago Exhibition Captures the Raw Energy of ’90s Music

Behind The Gallery presents: Alternative Nation: A Retrospective. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Alternative Nation: A Retrospective

A Raw, Unfiltered Look at the Rise of Alternative Music

Behind The Gallery proudly presents its latest exhibition, Alternative Nation: A Retrospective—a visceral journey through the explosion of alternative music and culture from the 1990s to the early 2000s. (Magnum PR, 2025)

Debuting in Chicago and hosted by After, the cocktail bar from Michelin-starred chef Curtis Duffy, the exhibition features never-before-seen and classic images of Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alice in Chains, Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, Meat Puppets, and more.


The Photographers Who Shaped an Era

This unprecedented show brings together the iconic work of five visionary photographers—Joseph Cultice, Jonathan Rach, Chris Cuffaro, Kevin Westenberg, and Scarlet Page—whose lenses helped define the way we remember the era.

“This show isn’t just a trip down memory lane—it’s a time capsule of a moment when music felt dangerous, emotional, and deeply human,” says Behind The Gallery founder and curator Stephen Dallimore.

Each photographer was trusted by the bands, capturing the raw, unfiltered moments that defined a generation. Their work documents the cultural shift when grunge, industrial, and alt-rock went from the fringes to the forefront—changing not only the sound, but the very image of music.


A Time of Creative Rebellion

The 1990s alternative scene gave voice to a generation navigating alienation, identity, and emotional extremes.

  • Grunge acts like Nirvana and Pearl Jam rejected polished mainstream aesthetics, embracing vulnerability and grit.
  • Industrial pioneers like Nine Inch Nails fused electronics with rock, exploring darker, confrontational themes.

These photographs are more than concert shots—they’re portraits of authenticity, rebellion, and the raw pulse of an era when music was deeply felt.


Not Just for Nostalgia

While many of these artists are now considered legacy acts, the exhibition is curated for both longtime fans and a new generation craving authenticity.

“In a digital age where connection can feel shallow, there’s something powerful about experiencing these raw, analog images,” says Dallimore. “It was a time when music felt fresh, exciting, and dangerous—an era that still carried a sense of mystery.”


Photographer Inclusions by Artist

Chris Cuffaro: Alice In Chains, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Screaming Trees, Soundgarden
Joseph Cultice: Aphex Twin, Björk, Danzig, Marilyn Manson, Meat Puppets, Smashing Pumpkins
Jonathan Rach: Nine Inch Nails, Tool, Melvins
Kevin Westenberg: Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails, Soundgarden, White Stripes
Scarlet Page: Björk, Chris Cornell, Foo Fighters, Marilyn Manson, NIN, Placebo, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins


Event Details

📍 Location:
After – Curtis Duffy’s Cocktail Bar
1338 W Fulton Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607

🗓 Exhibition Hours:

  • Opening Night: Friday, August 15, 2025 | 6:30–10 p.m.
  • Saturday, August 16 – Wednesday, August 20 | 4–10 p.m.

🎤 Artist Talk & Q&A:

  • Saturday, August 16 | 5:00 p.m.
    Curtis Duffy hosts a conversation with Jonathan Rach & Joseph Cultice

Raise a Glass & Unwind: San Antonio’s Ultimate Tequila Day Weekend

Rosarita cocktail made with Avión Silver Tequila. Photo: Mokara Hotel & Spa, used with permission.

Celebrate National Tequila Day in San Antonio: Cocktails, Massages, and Riverwalk Vibes

Mark your calendars! National Tequila Day falls on Thursday, July 24, and San Antonio is raising a glass in grand style. Whether you’re in the mood for a vibrant Riverwalk celebration or a luxurious spa experience, there’s something for everyone this tequila-filled weekend.


🌮 Ambler at Hotel Contessa: A Weekend Tequila Takeover

📍 Hotel Contessa | 306 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205
📅 Thursday, July 24 – Saturday, July 26

Ambler, the restaurant at the elegant Hotel Contessa, is going all in for National Tequila Day with a three-day celebration along the scenic Riverwalk. Here’s what’s in store:

🍹 Tequila Cocktail Specials & Live Music (Thursday–Saturday)

  • Specialty PATRÓN-infused margaritas in fun, fresh flavors:
    Strawberry, Pineapple, Watermelon, Berry Mix, Jalapeño
  • Order a margarita tasting trio for just $16
  • Cool down with an exclusive frozen grape sorbet topped with tajín and lime for $10
  • Enjoy live music each night

🎉 Tequila Day Takeover with PATRÓN (Saturday, July 26 | 3–8 p.m.)

  • Tequila tasting stations
  • A local vendor fair
  • Games and giveaways
  • Hop on the pedal-powered margarita bike to mix your own drink!
  • No reservations required – event is open to the public
  • Additional cocktails and bites available from Ambler’s dinner menu

💆‍♀️ Agave Escape at Mokara Spa: Self-Care Meets Celebration

📍 Mokara Hotel & Spa | 212 W Crockett St, San Antonio, TX 78205
📅 Now through Sunday, July 27

In a beautiful twist, National Tequila Day and International Self-Care Day both fall on July 24 – and Mokara Spa has found the perfect way to honor both with its new Agave Escape Massage Package.

🌿 The Agave Escape Experience

  • Full-body massage using organic agave oils (known for anti-inflammatory benefits)
  • Cupuacu butter foot massage to promote deep relaxation and balance
  • Available now through Sunday, July 27

🍸 Bonus Treat at Ostra

After your treatment, head to Ostra, Mokara’s award-winning on-site restaurant, to enjoy a complimentary Rosarita Cocktail made with:

  • Avión Silver Tequila
  • Rosé
  • Agave nectar
  • Fresh lemon and lime juice

The perfect way to toast a day of total rejuvenation.


Whether you’re toasting with a tequila trio or treating yourself to a luxury massage, San Antonio offers the ultimate way to celebrate this spirited summer holiday. Salud! 🥂

Summer Fun & Festivities: July Events at Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa

Scheduled events include the hotel’s first-ever Quinceañera Showcase Expo on Sunday July 20. Photo: Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, used with permission.

🎉 July Happenings at Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection

Summer is heating up, and so are the events at Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection! Whether you’re looking to relax, celebrate, or simply enjoy a day out with family and friends, our hotel has something for everyone this July. From rejuvenating spa treatments and lively garden parties to unforgettable family showcases, here’s what’s happening this month: (Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, 2025)


🌿 Now Through July 31: Red, White & Renew Facial

Treat yourself to our exclusive Red, White & Renew 50-minute facial in honor of the Fourth of July.
💆‍♀️ Price: $155
📅 Available until July 31
🔗 Book your appointment here


🧘‍♀️ Soul Flow Saturdays

Ease into your weekend with outdoor yoga led by Kristel Perry.
📍 Oasis Lawn, Spa Plaza San Antonio
🕤 Saturdays in July | 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
💸 Tickets: $17.85
🎟️ Reserve on Eventbrite


🍹 5•5•5 Sundays at Anaqua Garden Bar

Join us for an all-day summer series featuring:
• $5 Pool Passes
• $5 Cocktails
• $5 Bites
• $55 Cabanas
• $55 Shareable Cocktails
📅 Every Sunday
💻 Use code SUNDAY555 on Resort Pass to book a pool Day Pass.
🎟️ Reserve a spot on OpenTable


🍽️ 4-5-6-7 Happy Hour at Corinne San Antonio

Enjoy delicious bites and sips — all for $7!
🕓 Monday – Thursday | 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
🎟️ Make a reservation on OpenTable


🥂 Beats and Bubbles at Anaqua Garden Bar

Don’t miss this whimsical garden party featuring:
🎧 Live Vinyl DJ
🫧 Bubble Festivities
📅 Friday, July 26 | 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
🎟️ Reserve your table here


🎉 National Tequila Day & National Avocado Day

Celebrate two delicious days at Anaqua Garden Bar:
July 24 – National Tequila Day: $6 Margaritas in Mexico
July 31 – National Avocado Day: $6 Guacapoke
🎟️ Book your spot on OpenTable


👑 Gowns & Glam: Quinceañera Showcase Expo

Plan the celebration of a lifetime at our first-ever Quinceañera Expo!
📅 Sunday, July 20 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
✨ Local vendors, inspiration, and a grand giveaway
🎟️ RSVP for FREE on Eventbrite


🎶 Music Under The Stars: Featuring Leon Sanchez

Unwind with cocktails and live music in the breezy Anaqua Pavilion.
📅 Thursday, July 24 | 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
🎸 Featuring local favorite Leon Sanchez
🎟️ Reserve a table on OpenTable


🎧 Raspa & Rhythm on the Lawn

Cool off and dance it out with:
🍧 Ice-Cold Raspas
🎵 Upbeat House Music
🎯 Lawn Games
📅 Fridays, July 18 & 25 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Plus:
🔍 Kids’ Scavenger Hunt | 10:00 a.m.
🔥 S’mores by the Fire | 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.


Make the most of your July at Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa — your downtown destination for summer relaxation, celebration, and connection.