District 1 Summer Music Series Vitalizes San Antonio Artists, Business

Published on September 30, 2025

The program benefits both local musicians and small businesses.

SAN ANTONIO (September 30, 2025) – The Summer Sound Series pilot program, an inaugural initiative by District 1, successfully concluded last month with 23 performances across the district. With small businesses as a key priority of Councilmember Dr. Sukh Kaur, the District 1 Office developed this initiative to increase traffic, as summer is a difficult time for these businesses due to weather and travel. Open to all businesses dependent on foot traffic, the program spurred collaboration between the local small business community and musicians.

The District 1 Office worked with musicians through the Department of Arts & Culture’s official Artist Registry, providing them opportunities to perform across the District 1 footprint. These performances drew in customers while boosting the local businesses’ revenue, elevating the profiles of artists, and providing customers with free entertainment.

“We wanted to give people a reason to visit our neighborhoods, whether they’re a District 1 resident or not,” said Councilmember Kaur. “To do this while supporting local artists and small businesses is the best way to show off why we’re the corazón of San Antonio.”

The program brought musicians to 23 venues suitable for live music performances between July 17 and August 2, generating additional attention for these businesses through District 1 support and event promotion. 

The pilot program’s impact has been felt by small businesses such as Retro Sips and Brews at 2214 N Zarzamora St., 78201. “We saw a noticeable increase in foot traffic, sales, and new customers who discovered us for the first time,” said Retro Sips and Brews co-owners Shelly and Sarah Buchman. “It’s been more than just an economic boost; it’s helped us feel even more connected to our community.”

Artists also benefited from participating in the program series. A post-event survey showed that 75% of participants were able to connect with new audiences and promote their music.

“As a local musician, the Summer Sound series was a great experience,” said local artist Matthew Parker. “It afforded me the opportunity to perform at businesses that usually don’t have live music. It was a pleasure to be a part of the music series, and I’ll be looking forward to the next.”

Collaborations were formed between District 1 and participants as a result of the community-driven program, including creatives across the food and music scenes. Following the series, all survey respondents shared that they would participate again. The majority of participants, around 90% of artists and business owners, expressed interest in seeing the program return in the future.

“[The] Summer of Sound Series is all about bringing music, small business, and community together, and we loved being part of it,” said Ron Felix, owner of The Beacon at Midtown Gallery. “Can’t wait for more opportunities to collaborate and for Summer Sound 2026!”

The District 1 Office is collaborating with the City of San Antonio to assess how this program can best serve its communities in the future.