When I was out walking, I noticed Mike Acquisto’s yard sign. So I asked him to share his thoughts with us.
(Mike) I have never been one of those “sign on the lawn” neighbors, who support causes or candidates. Usually, I just quietly lend a little financial support, or sweat equity to whatever groups I care about.
I’m not really a “musician” either. I‘ve played around with the piano, nearly all my life, but have only recently began taking lessons. Concerts and symphony were not a priority in my earlier years.
San Antonio Symphony
My love and appreciation of music has grown. Attending a concert with classical and popular music in a great venue like the Tobin Center fills my heart. I started learning more about the composers, the music and the people who work there, Musicians and Administrators.
Swing Music
I also found myself drawn to more musical opportunities and other venues. Swing Dancing has lead to an appreciation for the music of the 30’s and 40’s. previous generations of Jazz music. San Antonio has a couple of very active Swing Dancing organizations and events with live musicians nearly every week.
Places like the Herman Sons ballroom, Braun Hall, and the old Kit Kat Club at the American Legion hall on Fredericksburg Road. Then there is JazzTx, LUNA and several other “nightclubs” where popular “swing” music is played.
Country Music
The jump from swing to country dancing lead to finding out about the wonderful historic dancehalls and Honky-Tonks dotted throughout the San Antonio area.
Old timers probably remember: Anhault Hall, Twin Sisters Dancehall, Sisterdale Dancehall, Martinez Social Club, and Quihi Gun Club and Dance Hall.
All of which still host regular concerts featuring extremely talented, hard working musicians. And then there are places like John T Floore Country Store, Bracken Store and Ice house, Thirsty Horse, Cowboys, and a myriad of others where bands of musicians find opportunities to entertain.
My Thoughts
So why do I have the sign on my lawn? Well because there is one common thread running through these things . . . Reasonably priced live music.
The San Antonio Symphony as an organization is a valuable asset to this city but it does not have the financial security necessary to maintain itself in the way it needs to. The heart is the Music, provided by people who have made it their life’s work to do the hard and disciplined work of learning to play their instruments at an exceptional level. Most of these men and women are working hard at their craft, any way they can.
Knowing how hard it is to play at all, and how tough it is to make it at that level . .
I Support Local Musicians