Welcome to The San Antonio Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Amazon Prime expected to acquire rights to some future NBA games

• Upcoming Luis Miguel concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Lydia Mendoza

• And more…

Quote of the Week

If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.

– Dolly Parton

Trivia

Which San Antonio mission is known for its beautiful stone arches and is part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park?

A) Mission San José

B) Mission Concepción

C) Mission San Juan

D) Mission Espada

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic San Antonio hotel known for its grandeur and being the site of several important political events is B) The Menger Hotel.

News

💼 Business

H-E-B buys 500 acres to solidify its grip on East Texas. (Link)

Southwest Airlines to end flights to 4 major airports. (Link)

Biden spending $16B on Texas clean energy, will Austin build a reliable electric grid? (Link)

🏒 Sports

Randi Mahomes, mother of 3-time Super Bowl champion Patrick, attends Antonian football luncheon. (Link)

Amazon Prime expected to acquire rights to some future NBA games, report says. (Link)

The Suns built a superteam with Durant, Booker, and Beal. It produced zero playoff wins. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Frost Bank CEO Phil Green weighs in on which industries hit hardest by high interest rates. (Link)

Soarion CEO aims to grow 72-year-old credit union through rebranding, new headquarters. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚽ Las Vegas Lights FC at San Antonio FC
Toyota Field, San Antonio
Saturday, May 11th | (More info)

⚾ Corpus Christi Hooks at San Antonio Missions
Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium, San Antonio
Tuesday, May 14th | (More info)

⚾ Corpus Christi Hooks at San Antonio Missions
Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium, San Antonio
Wednesday, May 15th | (More info)

🏒 Tulsa Oilers at San Antonio Gunslingers
Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio
Saturday, May 18th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Meatbodies
Paper Tiger, San Antonio
Thursday, May 9th | (More info)

🎵 Fastball
Sam's Burger Joint, San Antonio
Friday, May 10th | (More info)

🎵 Luis Miguel
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio
Saturday, May 11th | (More info)

🎵 Tigercub
Paper Tiger, San Antonio
Monday, May 6th | (More info)

🎵 Flying Raccoon Suit
The Starlighter, San Antonio
Wednesday, May 8th | (More info)

Family

🫖 Mother's Day Tea Party for Kids and Families
Southeast Military Drive, San Antonio, TX, United States
Sunday, May 12th | (More info)

👶 Baby Time Social- The Neighborhood Place
3014 Rivas Street, San Antonio
Wednesday, May 8th | (More info)

🌍 PAN-AFRICAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2024
3350 East Commerce Street, San Antonio
Saturday, May 11th | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “San Antonio with wildlife corridors and roaming animals” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

San Antonio Historical Events

San Antonio Becomes a Brewing Center (1880s): The establishment of several breweries marked the city's growth as a commercial hub.

In the 1880s, San Antonio experienced a significant transformation as it emerged as a prominent brewing center, solidifying its status as a commercial hub. The city witnessed the establishment of several breweries, marking a pivotal moment in its economic development. This period saw a surge in the production of beer, with breweries playing a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for quality beverages. As a result, San Antonio became renowned for its brewing industry, attracting both local and national attention.

The breweries that emerged in San Antonio during the 1880s not only contributed to the city's economic prosperity but also played a vital role in shaping its cultural landscape. The brewing industry brought together diverse communities, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared identity among residents. Additionally, the breweries became integral to the social fabric of the city, providing gathering spaces for locals to socialize and unwind, further enriching the vibrant tapestry of San Antonio's social life.

The legacy of San Antonio's brewing center in the 1880s continues to resonate in the city's modern identity. The breweries that flourished during this era laid the foundation for a thriving beer culture that endures to this day. Their impact on the city's economy, social dynamics, and cultural heritage is a testament to the enduring significance of San Antonio's brewing history, making it an integral part of the city's narrative.

Famous People From San Antonio

Lydia Mendoza (1916-2007):

The first star of recorded Tejano and Norteno music:

Lydia Mendoza, also known as La Alondra de la Frontera (The Lark of the Border), was a Mexican-American guitarist and singer of Tejano and traditional Mexican-American music. Her career and life story reflect a journey of breaking barriers and achieving excellence.

Early Life and Musical Roots:

Lydia Mendoza was born on May 31, 1916, in Houston, Texas. Her father, a railroad mechanic, worked on both sides of the Texas-Mexico border, exposing Lydia to the rich musical traditions of the region from a young age.

Rise to Stardom (1928-1950):

In 1928, at the age of 12, Lydia Mendoza made her first recording, marking the beginning of her illustrious career in music. Her powerful voice and emotive performances quickly garnered attention, and she became one of the best-known Spanish-language singers of the Texas-Mexico border region.

Connection to San Antonio:

In 1979, Lydia recorded a solo album, La Gloria de Texas, in San Antonio after a live performance she had just given. She lived in San Antonio from 2000 until her passing in 2007, after relocating from her native Houston. A Texas Historical Commission marker honoring Tejano star Lydia Mendoza was unveiled at her gravesite in San Fernando Cemetery No. 2.

Musical Legacy and Achievements:

Lydia Mendoza's contributions to Tejano and traditional Mexican-American music earned her induction into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame in 1985. Her impact on the music industry and her cultural significance as a Mexican-American artist continue to inspire future generations.

Key Achievements of Lydia Mendoza:

• Recorded her first song at the age of 12, marking the beginning of her influential music career.

• Became one of the best-known Spanish-language singers of the Texas-Mexico border region.

• Inducted into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame for her contributions to the performing arts.

• Honored with a Texas Historical Commission marker at her gravesite in San Antonio.

• Remembered as La Alondra de la Frontera, the Meadowlark of the Border, for her powerful voice and emotive performances.
  
  Lydia Mendoza's story is one of overcoming obstacles, preserving cultural heritage through music, and leaving a lasting impact on the Tejano music genre. Her legacy as the first star of recorded Tejano and Norteno music remains significant and enduring.

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-Matthew Larsen

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