San Antonio Launches Live Music Program to Boost Local Business

District 1 in San Antonio is launching a new initiative aimed at supporting small businesses and celebrating the city's creative community with the Music to Business Program, a pilot project set to begin on Thursday, July 17, 2025. Running through August 2, the program will feature live musical performances every Thursday to Saturday at local establishments across the district.

The idea emerged from conversations with small business owners who reported a sharp decline in customer traffic during the summer months, particularly affecting the food and beverage sector. In response, Councilmember Dr. Sukh Kaur and the District 1 Office designed the program to test whether targeted funding could simultaneously revitalize neighborhood commerce and create paid opportunities for local musicians.

Dubbed the Summer Sound Series, the effort matches musicians from the City of San Antonio’s Artist Registry with businesses throughout District 1. Participating venues—ranging from cafes and boutiques to salons and bars—will host family-friendly performances intended to boost foot traffic and foster a stronger sense of community.

“This program is about strengthening our neighborhood economies while celebrating San Antonio’s creative spirit,” said Councilmember Kaur. “We’re putting dollars directly into the hands of artists and giving local businesses a new way to attract visitors. It’s exactly the kind of innovative partnership our city needs more of.”

The performances will span a wide spectrum of musical styles—from laid-back acoustic sets to high-energy Latin and funk performances—reflecting the cultural diversity and vibrancy of the district.

Business owners in District 1 can apply to host performances through a rolling application process. Musicians interested in performing are encouraged to register through the City’s Artist Registry.

“This program is a strong example of how arts and culture can be a driver of economic recovery and vitality,” said Krystal Jones, Director of the Department of Arts & Culture. “It highlights the extraordinary talent in our neighborhoods and offers a scalable model for cultural investment throughout the city.”

Performances will be promoted through social media by participating venues and artists. Community members can follow @COSA_CD1 and the hashtag #Music2Business for weekly lineups and featured events.