One of the things we love most about our job is working with our incredible network of guitar shops and retailers. We’re proud to kick off a new Dealer Spotlight series introducing you to longtime partners, starting with our friends down in San Antonio, Texas: Alamo Music Center.
Alamo music is a trusted home for acoustic players, and they share our obsession with authentic, stage-ready tone. They recently reviewed our AEG-1 Torrefied Spruce guitar, and when Chris McKee and Cooper Greenberg put it through its paces on Alamo Music TV, they called it one of the best executions of a hybrid stage instrument on the market today. What an honor!
They ended up keeping the review unit for the shop (spoiler alert!). Since the video’s release, we checked in with the Alamo team to talk shop and discover local talent, hidden gems, and the late-night fuel that keeps San Antonio’s premier music destination buzzing…
The Soundtrack of San Antonio
What album or artist is currently on heavy rotation at the shop? And which local artist (or artists) is everyone talking about right now?
There’s a very cool band called Favorite Son in San Antonio that conveniently features two members of the Alamo Music staff! They put out a record called Juniper that is ALWAYS on rotation at Alamo Music. However, outside of the nepotism, local artists like Brandon Padier & Black Gold, Chavela, Very Old Morris, and Aaron Stephens are some great examples of our city’s offerings as well.
Gig Guide
If someone stops by the shop and asks where the best local music is happening, where do you send them?
I would send them to The Lonesome Rose. Despite its honky-tonk facade, it hosts a wide swath of local and touring bands of all genres. Some of my favorite shows I've ever played have been there, along with some of the best shows I’ve ever seen in town. In addition to the Rose, Stable Hall is one of the best venues in town.
Music Fuel
Every great shop has a great coffee shop (or food stop) behind them. Where does the Alamo team go to refuel?
We drink a ton of Folger’s in the store, but if we're getting fancy I personally think the best coffee in town comes from Drippy’s, NoFi, or Theory. HOWEVER, when the Alamo team needs to refuel, we’re walkin’ down the street, PAST PINKERTON’S, straight to Double Standard (where doubles are standard, if you catch the drift) to get some happy hour oysters and dirty martinis. After hours, of course. Also, honorable mention: Leo’s Hideout for a slice of the best pizza in town.
To explore more from Alamo Music Center, visit them online at alamomusic.com or stop by the shop next time you’re passing through San Antonio!