Fiesta Oyster Bake at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas on April 22, 2023. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Fiesta Oyster Bake
107 years and counting. For a third of San Antonio's history, the Oyster Bake has been part of the fabric of the community. What started as a St. Mary’s University alumni gathering with a handful of people in 1916 on the banks of the San Antonio river downtown has grown to a premier Fiesta San Antonio event with over 70,000 patrons and more than 7,000 volunteers.
The Oyster Bake truly is a party with a purpose. 100% of the proceeds raised during the Oyster Bake goes directly back to the students of St. Mary’s University. By attending the Oyster Bake, you are helping further the education of students and help in their growth as future community leaders. Over the years your patronage has directly contributed millions of dollars in student scholarships and university programs and for this we can simply say, thank you.
And in case you were wondering, over the two days of Oyster Bake we go through 100,000 oysters and 32,000 chicken on a sticks with jalapeno!
Saint Asonia
Saint Asonia performing at the Fiesta Oyster Bake at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas on April 22, 2023. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
A Canadian rock/post-grunge supergroup whose membership has been pulled from bands like Three Days Grace, Staind, Finger Eleven, and Art of Dying, Toronto's Saint Asonia made their debut in 2015. Following a four-year gap and a handful of lineup shifts, the group resumed work with 2019's Flawed Design. Saint Asonia came into being when Staind guitarist Mike Mushok and Three Days Grace frontman Adam Gontier began writing together just after the latter split with his flagship band.
Impressed with what they had managed to conjure up, the duo enlisted Eye Empire bassist Corey Lowery, and former Finger Eleven drummer Rich Beddoe to complete their initial lineup. Heading into the studio with producer Johnny K (Disturbed, Megadeth, Sevendust), the quartet began work on their debut long-player. Released in July 2015, the eponymous full-length Saint Asonia resembled the sum of its parts and was a success both at home, where it reached the Canadian Top Ten, and in the U.S., where it made a solid showing at number 29 on the Billboard 200.
P.O.D.
P.O.D. performing at the Fiesta Oyster Bake at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas on April 22, 2023. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
More than two decades into their career, P.O.D. enjoy the kind of popularity most rock bands would envy. The San Diego quartet continue to be a rock radio staple, with newer songs "Lost in Forever" and "Beautiful" drawing the kind of airplay the band's early hits "Alive," "Youth of the Nation" and "Boom" once did. On the touring front, P.O.D. have performed at the best festivals around the world—to name a few, Download Festival, Hellfest, Rock on the Range, River City Rockfest, Carolina Rebellion, and Aftershock Festival—and have done shows with In This Moment, Prophets of Rage, ShineDown, and Five Finger Death Punch.
Back In Black
Back In Black performing at the Fiesta Oyster Bake at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas on April 22, 2023. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
So authentic, that vocalist Darren Caperna was flown to Atlanta to audition for AC/DC (See link below), Back In Black: The AC/DC Concert Experience captures the raw power and energy of an actual AC/DC performance. What sets Back In Black apart from all other tributes, is the the fact that they can perform full sets of all the high-voltage hits from both the Bon Scott AND Brian Johnson eras, one singer, two personas.
Formed in 2001, Back In Black remains one of the top-drawing, and longest-enduring tribute acts in North America, having performed to hundreds of thousands at sold-out shows from Honolulu, Hollywood, and Puerto Rico, to Calgary, Canada (concert performance with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra). They were recruited by Sony Music (AC/DC’s record label), to promote and increase catalog sales.
Carson Jeffrey
Carson Jeffrey performing at the Fiesta Oyster Bake at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas on April 22, 2023. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
At a very early age Carson discovered artists such as Cross Canadian Ragweed, Ryan Bingham, and Chris Knight. He grew up in the ranching and western way of life, spending a lot of time at his family’s ranch in Dryden, Texas, as well as his hometown of Cat Spring, Texas. Most every weekend was spent going down the highway to another rodeo to another town.
With the highway as his guide, he picked up a guitar and started writing songs in his high school years. It wasn't until college that he began to play acoustic shows and realized that people actually listened to his songs. In the summer of ’19, Carson recorded his debut album "Muchos Sonidos", and formed a band to start trying to make his mark in the Texas Music Scene.
Patsy Torres
Patsy Torres performing at the Fiesta Oyster Bake at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas on April 22, 2023. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
The gifted and versatile Patsy Torres is one of the most important and influential Tejano entertainers of our time. She has performed for live audiences of more than 100,000 people, appeared on national television for millions of viewers, and traveled all over the world winning countless awards for her musical talents and community works. She has graced the covers of national and international publications. Billboard Magazine proclaimed Patsy Torres as one of the “Top Female Tejano Stars” while Vista Magazine selected her to represent “What’s Hot in Texas”. Latin Style Magazine described Patsy as “El Sonido del Futuro”, the sound of the future.
Eclipse - A Tribute To Journey
Eclipse - A Tribute To Journey performing at the Fiesta Oyster Bake at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas on April 22, 2023. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
It's no small feat to recreate the sights and sounds of one of music's iconic 80's rock bands of all time, JOURNEY. Eclipse A Tribute To Journey is a regional touring act performing throughout Texas cities such as San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Houston, New Mexico, Laredo, Eagle Pass, McAllen, Corpus Christi, El Paso and Baton Rouge, LA. With their unique and eclectic stage performances as well as engaging with their fans during every show, they have been received with open arms by many.
Eclipse already is a force to be reckoned with and playing to full capacity crowds with no signs of slowing down. Eclipse was honored to open for rock legends such as Eddie Money, FOGHAT, The Starship just to name a few and electrified the sold-out crowds with JOURNEY's all-time hits! What once was an underground movement out of San Antonio, TX is now becoming the household definition for an "unforgettable" live performance. Eclipse covers all the hits that Journey fans young and old alike have come to love over the years. Also throwing in popular classic rock music, Eclipse is a very unique musical act with a diverse choice of entertainment for any rock music lover to enjoy.
From the opening song of "Separate Ways" to finishing off the night with the crowd sing along of "Don't Stop Believin", Eclipse has the electrified crowds singing and dancing to every song as they rock the night away with everyone experiencing a 'Journey through time' with Eclipse!
Black Heart Saints
Black Heart Saints performing at the Fiesta Oyster Bake at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas on April 22, 2023. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Dangerous & dirty, with a distinct groove steeped in classic rock, yet with a modern intensity. Black Heart Saints gives fans exactly what they want – rock god vocals catapulted over explosive, memorable riffs – leaving legions of the rock ‘n’ roll faithful yearning for more.
After debuting at South by Southwest Festival, this powerhouse quartet has been building a solid reputation as a support act for national touring bands such as Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, Sevendust, Steel Panther, Pop Evil, Buckcherry, Stryper, Dirty Honey, and more.
Will Carter Band
Will Carter Band performing at the Fiesta Oyster Bake at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas on April 22, 2023. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Texas born and bred, singer/songwriter Will Carter was raised to respect hard work and traditional values. Deep love of family combined with a regimen that included homeschooling, breaking horses, milking goats and tending to crops, provided Will with an ideal backdrop to pursue his musical dreams effectively.
Three singles have charted from his most recent album, Good Bad Idea, each one an exploration of universal concerns against a backdrop of small-town America. This truth rings clear and true on his upcoming single, “As Long As She’s Lovin’ Me,” whose buoyant lyrics and rousing sing-along chorus celebrate the power of love and the artistry of this outstanding young talent.
Emanuel J
Emanuel J performing at the Fiesta Oyster Bake at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas on April 22, 2023. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Born into a musical environment, "Emanuel J" Gauna developed his love of music at the youthful age of 7 years. His love of music inaugurated him to learn many musical instruments and to establish a passion in him which would drive him to pursue a life in music. Emanuel is a self taught musician and vocalist, learning his own technique to create his own unique style and sound.
At the age of 13 years, Emanuel constructed an interest in music production. Recording and arranging songs with his twin brother, Emiliano, it assisted Emanuel with a grasp of better knowledge in music production through trial and error. Years of learning the basic concepts of recording music, Emanuel decided it was time to get serious about his talent in music production.
Moving his talent toward more artists in Tejano music, Emanuel has had the opportunity to work with multiple artists and musicians as a Producer and Musician. Growing in his career of music, Emanuel has learned a substantial amount of knowledge with producing and musicianship as well as business. Emanuel wants to establish himself as a producer many artists would want to work with.
Emanuel was also the lead singer for "Behind the Scenes Band" in Pueblo, Colorado. The band was under the direction of VMB Music Group after recording their first single "Desde Que Te Vi", which was written by Emanuel J. After making the move to San Antonio, Emanuel J utilized his musical talents to perform with artists like La Dezz, and David Lee Garza y Los Musicales; Getting his experience at the "Tejano University". Emanuel J is currently the keyboardist and background vocalist for Bobby Pulido's USA tour band.
Emanuel J released his debut album entitled "Palabras De Amor" on May 19th 2020. Palabras De Amor, words of love; more than just a title of one of the ten songs on the album. Its meaning bleeds into every song on this romantic album. He teamed up with Grammy Award winning producer, Gilbert Velasquez, in San Antonio Texas to make this 10 track album an album worth buying. Stay tuned, this is only the beginning.
Following the release of his first album, Emanuel J released his sophomore album 2 years later. "Numero Dos", the second album by Emanuel J was released February 2nd, 2022. A 10 track album produced by none other than Emanuel J himself; Opening doors into the producing world of Tejano music.
The Cruise Control Band
The Cruise Control Band performing at the Fiesta Oyster Bake at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas on April 22, 2023. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
LYLVC
LYLVC performing at the Fiesta Oyster Bake at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas on April 22, 2023. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
By day, a young woman hacks computer systems in order to test their security from outside threats on behalf of a financial company. By night, she fronts a genre-breaking band, fusing hard rock, hip-hop, electronica, and alternative into a fluid, focused, and fiery hybrid of styles as unpredictable as it is undeniable. This is LYLVC [pronounced “Lilac”]. The Raleigh, NC six-piece band—Alyse Zavala [clean vocals], Oscar Romero [rap vocals], Cam Gillette [keyboard, synth], Kenny Kaval [bass], Seth Morgan [guitar], and Ryan Powell [drums]—deliver a fiery and futuristic sonic synthesis on their 2022 independent debut EP.
Gelina And The Diamondbacks
Gelina And The Diamondbacks performing at the Fiesta Oyster Bake at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas on April 22, 2023. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Xero Wulf
Xero Wulf performing at the Fiesta Oyster Bake at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas on April 22, 2023. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Xero Wulf was formed to show tenacity in the face of adversity as a straightforward, no-nonsense Heavy Rock band from Texas. We are a product of our inspirations and appreciate heavy soulful music in all forms, from blues and rock to metal. Xero Wulf’s energy, professionalism, experience, and dedication to musicianship are unmatched. We have wrapped up our self titled Debut EP (Xero Wulf) and look forward to supporting venues and charities.
Joe Panther Band
Joe Panther Band performing at the Fiesta Oyster Bake at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas on April 22, 2023. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Vanita Leo
Vanita Leo performing at the Fiesta Oyster Bake at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas on April 22, 2023. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Coming from a rich lineage of Tejano heritage, Vanita Leo’s appetite for ushering in a new wave of Chicanx sound was inevitable. After contributing writing credits to local San Antonio artists and a frequent collaborator to Werito, Leo was primed to begin her solo career. Initially using the guise of lush bedroom pop as an introspective outlet of self-discovery & passion, Leo now devotes her talents to exploring the modern intersection of Latinx & American music.
Fiesta Oyster Bake
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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