A music lover’s guide to the local experience

Nestled between the music-capitol Austin and the metropolis San Antonio sits the “jewel of I-35,” San Marcos. Through its distinct atmosphere and amenities, the city offers a uniquely San Martian experience. The people, river and musical hodgepodge come together to create not only a great ambiance but a laid-back, music-lover’s paradise.

“We have the convenience and safety of a small town but the accessibility of a metropolis,” said Christopher Birkhimer, 22, Texas State University senior. “San Marcos is pretty much the perfect town, especially for college students.”

The city mixes the old with the new in a balanced blend of character and familiarity. Solely San Martian stores add flare to the city making shopping and dining unforgettable. Locally renowned stops like Paper Bear, Tantra, and Lucy’s offer experiences, not just services.

“I was surprised when I first saw Paper Bear,” said Victor Astorga, 21, Texas State University senior. There were toys that even took my dad back a few years. Anyone will become seven years old again running around in that giant-toy store.”

Though the diners and local shops add character to the city, college students put greater stock in other amenities. Among the college crowd, the music scene and the nightlife create an unforgettable experience.

Musical venues around the city include coffee shops, taverns, outdoor pavilions and cafes. And with several bars around the Square and more than 15 around the city offering live music, the beat never stops.

Tantra is an eccentric coffee shop that offers live entertainment seven nights a week. When asked about the shop, the first answer from everyone’s lips is always the same mouth-watering “Mmmmm.” With the combination of coffee, tea, beer, and a vegetarian menu, the shop gives its customers a great place to sit back, relax and take in some tunes.

The conversion of the shop from a craftsman-style home to a local staple adds a quirky-charm to the atmosphere. The bright walls and local art reflect the personalities of the diverse customers. Middle-aged hipsters and teeny-boppers alike find comfort in atmosphere of the San Marcos fixture.

Another celebrated coffee shop of San Marcos is the Coffee Pot. The Coffee Pot sits on the square alongside day time businesses and energetic bars. Local artists add to the shop’s café atmosphere with their acoustic music and unique perspectives.

“Coffee Pot is fun because you can sit and listen to the local people play,” said Bonnie Irwin, vocal major. “It’s a very relaxed environment. I like to just go and see who’s playing.”

Other venues offer a more electrifying experience.

“I like Lucy’s. I saw a show there that was pretty awesome. It was a Zlam Dunk show. The crowd was nuts and stage diving,” said Kenneth Hada, 20, local musician. “I thought the floor was going to fall through because of all of the jumping. I’ve never been in an underground show with such electricity. That was a wild night. Great show.”

For those looking for a more adventurous and involved nightlife experience, open-mic nights offer a nice alternative and nearly ensure a good time.

Open-mic nights can be found nearly every day of the week throughout the city. Sundays, Triple Crown and Riley’s Tavern open up their doors to anyone brave enough to climb on stage. Monday is Lucy’s free-mic night, while Tantra opens its stage to anyone every Thursday. On Saturday’s, Bennigan’s Grill and Tavern has its Karaoke Night, free to anyone willing to try.

Each open-mic night, the talented and tone-deaf alike hop on stage and sing their best, if not always the best.

The Cheatham Street Warehouse also offers a personal experience with a great time.

Kent Finlay hosts an amazing Songwriter’s Circle at the Cheatham Street Warehouse every Wednesday. His Songwriter’s Night is sometimes referred to as the “nucleus of Cheatham Street Warehouse.” The sold out shows may pay the bills, but the Songwriter Circle is the reason Kent continues to keep the Cheatham Street Warehouse open.

Musicians like Todd Snider, Clay Blaker, Terri Hendrix and Bruce Robinson have walked through the Writer Circle’s door as novices and come back later to perform sold-out shows. The Songwriter’s Circle offers a unique chance for music lovers and musicians to have fun while learning the ropes.

To relax after a hectic day, or hellacious week, many San Martians turn to jazz to unwind.

Jazz nights paint the city several times a week. Tantra hosts its Jazz Night every Tuesday bringing local musicians and sometimes Texas State professors together through the medium they love. The Wine Cellar hosts the Bio Rhythm Jazz Project every Saturday night from 8 till 11.

The Wine Cellar also offers live music three nights a week. The lineup includes classical guitarists and pianists while the menu mixes a bit of the exotic with the everyday. The bistro and boutique mix boasts an extensive wine list, with a handy guide to help match the perfect bottle with your dish.

The talent and entertainment of San Marcos is not limited to off campus venues.

“People tend to overlook the goldmine of musical talent that is performed every day on campus,” said Astorga, music education major. “Salsa night, jazz combo concerts, and all the university’s ensembles are the epitome of San Marcos' musical talent. It just depends what you like.”

Once a month Salsa del Río and Orquesta del Río, two of the best salsa bands in the state, host a free party at George's in the LBJ Student Center. The School of Music sponsors and organizes countless events and concerts throughout the year, all of which are listed online.

“Campus has plenty of concerts that I really like, especially symphonies,” said Birkhimer, English major. “I love concerts of any kind. I love classical, and campus has a good mix of music.”

For those wondering how to occupy their time during the day should not miss out on the beauty of the San Marcos River.

“The river is a great place to recharge your batteries,” said Tine Herring, 21, Texas State pre-theatre major. “You can lie in the sun and just relax, or jump in and have a great time. It’s a great place to enjoy friends and meet new people.”

With several scenic parks along the river, San Marcos offers a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the city.

Described aptly as the “Jewel of I-35,” San Marcos offers a cornucopia of entertainment and memories to anyone willing to spend a little time exploring.

-Brigette Botkin

Enchanted Rock Travel section story

Here's a link to my Sunday, Nov. 16 Express-News Travel section story on Enchanted Rock.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/life/Top_of_the_World_151_Enchanted_Rock_gives_climbers_a_longer_view.html