What This Town Needs

Kel and I were discussing the other day what we think San Antonio needs as far as the music scene is concerned. I've been thinking about what I would like to see here, and this is what I've come up with so far:

1) My first wish was a new open-air music venue, but now that Sunken Gardens seems to be getting back in the action, that one's taken care of.

2) I still miss Sneakers!! Stepping into that place was total immersion into rock-n-roll. Every customer, bartender, waitress, etc. was a rocker. They played nothing but rock. And the bands! I used to go every Monday and catch the local bands. I can't even name all the bigger name acts I've seen there...Pat Travers, Blue Oyster Cult, Dangerous Toys, Iron Maiden (without Bruce Dickinson, if that counts), The Offspring, and many that I was probably too drunk to remember! Pushmonkey, Pitbull Daycare, Aziz...I even saw Sam Kinnison there, and if a comedian can be described as rockin', he rocked! And it was big. No trouble finding a seat or getting a beer, finding room on the dance floor or an empty toilet stall. We need a new Sneakers!

3) Sadly, with the demise of Ram and TacoLand, we need a new club that takes care of the local bands. Letting everybody have a chance. Being understanding of how difficult being a musician can be. Truly loving and appreciating San Antonio music. I have heard a couple people say that Rock City Bar is along those lines, but I haven't been there yet, so I'll withhold judgment for now.

4) A radio station that plays a larger variety. K-Rock comes close to what I'm talking about, but it's still all the hits. I'd like one that plays bands I've never heard of, songs by bands that weren't big hits but were good, and one that takes some time to showcase local talent, one that really interacts with the music community and especially the San Antonio music community. An indie station, I guess you'd call it, but one with a local bent would be nice.

5) Last but not least, more involvement in the local music scene by the people of San Antonio. Pretty much everybody likes music, but most people seem to see it as a spectator sport. But, take it from me, someone who has always been involved in music in one way or another, the more of yourself you put into it, the more you get out of it. If you catch a band you like, make an effort to get out and see them, spread the word, give them some support! Just since I've started this blog in April, I know of at least 2 good bands that have broken up and I sadly had to take them off my listing. Many other bands that I used to go see a few years ago are gone. Along with some good rock clubs like Copper Dollar, Iguana Bay and Papa Woody's (and of course Sneakers!). And I know that if more people would get out and show some support for local music instead of sitting at home and listening to certain radio stations playing the same 10 songs over and over (or worse, watching "reality" tv), good bands and clubs would have a much better chance of survival.

Anyone else have any thoughts on what SA is missing? What do YOU think this town needs?