KRTU held its annual Community Host Appreciation and Awards Ceremony to honor volunteer hosts who bring their passion for jazz and indie music each week to the KRTU listeners at 91.7 FM in San Antonio, Texas, and worldwide through the KRTU APP, and web stream at KRTU.ORG. The event was held on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Tinto Y. Tapas. A restaurant and live jazz music lounge owned and operated by KRTU community hosts, Judi Deleon host of Smooth Sunday Jazz, and Henry Brun host of the Latin Jazz Sunday Brunch.
The event also included an awards ceremony recognizing volunteer hosts who have reached milestone anniversaries with KRTU for their specialty shows on jazz and indie programming. The awards were presented by KRTU’s General Manager, JJ Lopez.
David Snyder, host of the New Orleans Roots Music Show, heard Mondays at 8pm, received recognition for 5 years of community volunteer service to KRTU.
Justin Boyd, host of DubJangle Bumpn'Drone, heard Sundays at 10pm, received recognition for 20 years of dedicated community volunteer service to KRTU and the indie community.
Michael Thomas, host of Music For Listeners, heard Saturdays at 12am, received recognition for 35 years of dedicated commitment to indie programming on-air and in the community.
A posthumous Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Daisy Canavati, the wife of community volunteer host Jorge Canavati, in grateful appreciation for Jorge’s 16 years of dedication and commitment to KRTU and his international radio show Jazz de Mexico.
KRTU Station Manager, Monica Reina, said, “KRTU is fortunate to have dedicated volunteer community hosts who graciously share their time, passion, and music knowledge with our listeners and supporters. Their specialty shows set KRTU apart from other commercial and non-commercial radio stations by providing insight and appreciation for the music every time they crack the mic. We are truly grateful for all of our volunteer hosts who brighten and inspire our community of jazz and indie listeners in San Antonio and around the world.”
Photos courtesy of KRTU summer intern, Carmen Coulon
Buttercup
Interview on Live and Local
Thursday, March 5th, 2026
Hosted by KRTU intern: Keira Cahill
Buttercup presents Send More Yellow, a double album packed with dynamic new songs that reveal the full spectrum of the band’s creative fire. KRTU student intern Keira Cahill had the opportunity to interview founding member, Erik Sanden, to discuss the creative process behind making the album and the longevity of the band.
Listen to a playback of the interview HERE.
Buttercup Concert Review
By Keira Cahill
March 6, 2026 @ The Empire Theatre
Walking into the Buttercup concert at the Empire Theater, I was hit by a sea of indie middle-aged patrons, strolling and chatting as they waited for the act. On the path to locate my seat, I was approached by a faceless sheet ghost costume, the kind you put on when your mom forgets it’s Halloween. The figure skipped between the rows, handing out small paper slips that read, “You are beautiful.”
The air in the theater was positive and laid back; I was immediately distracted from the fight I had with my boyfriend earlier that day and the mountain of homework waiting for me back home. Climbing the steep stairs to the balcony, my excitement for the coming performance grew.
The curtains opened on a theatrical camping setup: a small red tent, assorted plastic pine trees (likely pulled from Christmas attic storage), and a strobe-light campfire. Notably missing from the stage were the Buttercup band members, but this confusion was soon answered as they exited the tent dressed to the nines in lumberjack costumes.
The room was high with energy and brimming with indie rock twang. The setlist was diverse; it pulled from old hits and the newest album, Send More Yellow. As the music built, lumberjack flannels and cowboy hats were ripped off to reveal skin-tight sequin shirts and black skinny jeans. The audience roared in approval. The climax of the concert came during Henry B. Gonzalez, off their 2017 album Battle of Flowers, a rocking song with heavy electric guitar and crashing cymbals. The energy from the stage shot through the audience; a group of women, unified by long grey hair and flowy linen dresses, moved towards the stage, swaying and dancing together. It was impossible not to enjoy.
The Buttercup concert got the crowd up and on their feet. The quirky set design, costuming, and heavy guitar combined to make a show that was both comfortable and exciting. Rather than feeling like a concert venue, the energy in the Empire Theater brought me back to dancing at high school garage shows: casual, sweaty, and fun. The patrons came to the Empire for a good time, and Buttercup fulfilled that promise.
By Caroline Landdeck
Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s (RKS) completely distinct tone and artistry is almost as diverse as the crowd that was gathered on October 13th, 2025 in downtown San Antonio. From the bearded old men and parents with small ear-protected kids in the balcony, to the teenagers, 20-somethings, and middle-aged millennials scattered between them and filling the floor below, everyone was collectively entranced by what was going on in front of them. As RKS entered the Aztec Theatre, the audience was completely enthralled by their captivating sound and visual effects that set an intimate and dynamic atmosphere, immersing fans almost as much as the band’s performance.
The opener, Jelani Aryeh, got the crowd pumped up with his lively stage presence and charisma that charmed and excited the audience for more to come. Similar to RKS’s multi-genre inspiration, the Gen-Z artist incorporates a modern alternative/indie pop sound with rock and R&B influences, leaning into experimental, upbeat sounds and passionate lyricism. The atmosphere Aryeh brought to the venue led perfectly into the RKS set and only heightened the already intense anticipation built up in the crowd.
After a short break that only stirred more excitement as roadies (stage/band technical crew) reset the stage, RKS finally made their entrance with their first song, “Hide.” The set that followed incorporated a diverse blend of their discography, with hits off their newest album, along with deep cuts and fan favorites off of even their oldest releases. The songs also varied drastically in style and sound with the band somehow seamlessly transitioning between each. As RKS has evolved in style, genre, and as individuals throughout the past 12 years of performing, their sound and energy still retains their indie-rock and indie-folk soul, with their newer music leaning into more synth and electronic elements. They have also perfected a way of incorporating their music and performance with visual effects that allow more opportunity for artist intention, therefore delivering a heightened experience of the music for the audience. The lead singer, Ela Melo, is the major contributor to this effect as she danced around the stage and interacted with the audience and other band members, using her body movements as its own visual effect. She ran to the red light emanating from the corner of the stage, reaching out toward it at the end of “Devil Like Me” as she finished singing “What do you want from a devil like me? Am I like you?” She depicts other visual representations of lyrics throughout the show such as her dramatically collapsing like a doll and even more generally just matching the tone of the songs by jumping up and down with the crowd during energetic moments, and sitting on the stage stairs for slower, more intimate songs. Although the rest of the band remains more stationary, they feed into her performance by playing back to back with each other and getting into the music as she does, especially as she comes around to sing with each of them.
The musical elements within each song contribute to this meaningful atmosphere as well, with big breaks of empty space and complex chord progressions that enable big drops and goosebump-inducing resolutions and refrains. Moments of isolated harmonies allow for a deep, more personal tone that touches the audience, while the stark transitions between built up repetition in lyrics with a quick high hat and big releases of simple back beats and large vocals, provides a more all-consuming effect as you are overwhelmed with the impact of the music.
The band felt very open and the tone of their performance and deep, personal lyrics seemed to create an all-inclusive community within the crowd. After sharing their intense gratitude to fans and supporters of RKS, the night wrapped up perfectly with the crowd singing along to “Freefall” under the glow of the Aztec Theatre lights.
By Gaby Nieraeth, KRTU Student Intern
As retro-inspired R&B groups seem to continually gain popularity, Durand Jones & The Indications (DJI) continue to carve out their distinct place within the genre. Rhythmic bass lines along with soaring falsettos from drummer Aaron Frazer, paired with the deeply-soulful vocals of Durand Jones transported the San Antonio audience at the Aztec Theater on September 15th. The sound didn’t quite throw back entirely to the 1970s nor exist fully in 2025, but instead lived in a unique in-between space.
Before DJI took the stage, The Psycodelics (Instagram: @thepsycodelics) had the crowd mesmerized by their high-energy funk infused set. As I looked out amongst the crowd, I saw a sea of heads bobbing along to the rhythm. Cheers rang out as bassist and lead vocalist Cameron ‘Caminator’ Wescott led the group into song after song. While you may be able to hear the heavy influence of the 1970s in their sound, in a 2023 article for the Charleston City Paper, Wescott noted that they pull influence from “...sounds and ideas musically from back in the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and 2000s - everything up until now - and put it all together. There’s no certain time period.”
After a short break, DJI (Instagram: @durandjonesandtheindications) took the stage to the rapturous cheers of an excited San Antonio crowd. Frazer proudly called the performance a “hometown show.” San Antonio was a key stop in the group’s early days, as Jones explained in a 2021 interview with Indianapolis Monthly that their first show in San Antonio marked the beginning of realizing the legacy they had tasked themselves with upholding and pushing forward. The show was transformative not only as a group for DJI, but for Jones, who now calls San Antonio home; “I immediately fell in love with San Antonio after that.”
That love was definitely reciprocated by the crowd at the Aztec Theater. The energy was absolutely electric, as lovers clung to each other, friends sang along, and strangers exchanged smiles. The setlist spanned their entire discography, from the 2016 debut album track “Is It Any Wonder?” to “Really Wanna Be With You” off their 2025 release Flowers. I was blown away by Frazer’s airy vocals, which created a dreamlike atmosphere. Jones’ voice was a powerhouse, and his stage presence was enchanting. He high-fived fans on the barricade and danced like no one was watching. One of the most moving moments came during “Love Will Work It Out”, with its promise that “joy will set us free if you so believe” and “don’t you ever doubt that love will work it out.” The song felt like a seed of hope and a reminder of love’s power in a deeply divided time.
From The Psycodelics’ high-energy funk to DJI’s smooth neo-soul, the night was a celebration of love, hope, and the timeless power of music.
Flood Relief Benefit Concert
Saturday, September 6, 2025
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
The Hoppy Monk
Free Admission
Join KRTU for an evening of drinks, food, a silent auction and music by DJ JJ Lopez, Dylan Lee, Humiliation Ritual, and Collective Dreams. This event will raise awareness and support for Kerrville Pets Alive! and their efforts to help the animals affected by the Texas Hill Country floods.
Let's come together as a community and make a difference in the lives of these animals! Friendly pets on leash. are welcome to join their human companions on the patio.
Thank you to all who came out to support this event. Read a recap published in Trinity University’s news paper, Trinitonian.
KRTU lends a paw to Kerrville Pets Alive!
By Ivanna Bass Caldera
Kevin Kaarl filled the Majestic Theater with his sentimental lyrics and baritone voice, transcending the audience to the most vulnerable part of their minds. On August 28th, 2025, Kaarl performed in San Antonio as a part of his Ultra Sodade Tour.
His opener, Andrea Bejar, hooked the audience the moment she stepped out, her strong, smooth folk voice commanding the stage and her dark blue silk dress glistening under the overhead lights. She performed songs from her debut album Love Again. Even those unfamiliar with her music were inevitably drawn in by her vocal control and heartfelt lyrics.
As Kaarl and his band got in position on stage, the crowd cheered with enthusiasm, eager to hear him say anything. He stood in the middle of his set with his acoustic guitar, wearing his iconic jumpsuit that mechanics wear, with the name of his album embroidered on his left shoulder and a patch with his name on the right. The band began playing the beat to buscame otra vez, the crowd cheered in anticipation, and Kaarl captivated the audience with a strong vocal performance.
Kaarl delivered a well-thought-out concert; everything from the visuals projected onto the screen to the set the band stood on enhanced the stories told through his music. At the start of the performance, the visuals showed a winding road going down a rural landscape with a warm-colored tone. It felt like you were going on a journey with him to mend a broken heart, given that his latest album is about the emotional process one goes through when a relationship ends.
After a few songs, Kaarl spoke to the audience for the first time. He shared that he is from Meoqui, Chihuahua, and the crowd cheered with pride. For me, it was a heartwarming experience to hear the theater be filled with Spanish-speakers singing along to every one of his words. I didn’t attend the concert as a superfan – unlike many around me who clearly knew every word of every song. As someone less familiar with the full setlist, I occasionally found the acoustic, sorrowful tone of several songs to be somewhat repetitive. However, the reaction of those around me showed me how much these wistful anthems impacted their life. There is no doubt that Kaarl fans spiritually connect with his music. Although most of Kaarl’s melodies are melancholic, the audience exuded joy, swaying along to his band's rhythm, cheering each bandmate on as they played solos, and looking other audience members in the eyes as they shouted gut wrenching lyrics.
One of my favorite parts of the concert was when Kaarl began introducing the song the album is titled after, Ultra Sodade. He took the audience through a rollercoaster of emotions; first inspiring us with the journey he went through in writing this song – which involved learning about an artist from Cape Verde, Cesária Évora. He expressed his admiration for Évora, being inspired by her nostalgic tone to write this song and even use snippets from her Sodade song. After introducing the origin of the tune, he mentioned that the song features Mexican singer-songwriter Nsqk. The audience gasped with excitement because the way Kaarl said this led us to believe that Nsqk was there to perform with him. However, the crowd broke out in laughter after Kaarl said “unfortunately, Nsqk isn’t here with us,” in a humorous tone. Then, as he began to sing the song, the fans settled into the feeling of nostalgia that the song, as well as the album, is about.
Kaarl's concert was a peaceful experience. Since my family is from a town not too far from where Kaarl grew up, I felt pride in seeing someone from Chihuahua successfully pursue their artistic dreams. The audience left the concert with a mended heart and an unforgettable experience.
If you want to learn more about Kevin Kaarl, check out the playback of my Indie Without Borders radio show from August 20th, where I do a deep dive into Kaarl as an artist. You can also learn more about the artist who inspired the album's title, Cesária Évora, in the playback from August 27th.
Andrea Bejar @ Majestic Theatre
Kevin Kaarl @ Majestic Theatre
On Thursday, April 17th, community members gathered for the third annual KRTUfest, hosted at The Carver Community Cultural Center (Instagram: @thecarversa). The space offered a festival-like atmosphere where attendees browsed local art vendors, grabbed yummy bites from a food truck, and danced along to groovy music coming from an outdoor DJ booth, as well as live performances inside the Little Carver Theater.
As doors opened, JJ Lopez, respected DJ and KRTU General Manager, known for his seamless blending of Soul, Funk, Disco, and House, welcomed the crowd with an all-vinyl set that perfectly set the tone for KRTUfest. His narrative and explorational set, JJ’s Balearic Beat, pulled influence from the sounds of the 1980s UK Rave Culture, its evolution in the Mediterranean, and Lopez’s own early rave experiences. As the sun slowly sank, concert-goers created an impromptu dance floor, filling the space with rhythm and funky dance moves.
Inside the Little Carver Theater, live performances began with Sundazia (Instagram: @sundazia), a group made up entirely of Trinity University students. Led by KRTU Intern and on-air host Will Sharp, the group opened the night with jazzy covers of popular songs, as well as experimental original tracks. The Slydes (Instagram: @the.slydes) brought a burst of high-energy alternative rock. With crisp guitar tones, upbeat tempos, and raw vocals, the group hyped up the crowd and had attendees jamming. Following The Slydes, Soma Jerome (Instagram: @somajerome) took the stage with a catchy psychedelic indie rock set. The group even played a surprise reggae-inspired track that had the crowd bobbing their heads along in rhythm.
Closing off the night was Collective Dreams (Instagram: @collectivedreams), whose instrumental-heavy set offered a hypnotic, immersive experience, and featured Live and Local host Albert Salinas. The crowd was entranced by sweeping ambient sounds, accompanied by mesmerizing visuals. Towards the end of their set, the group passed out maracas and shakers, inviting attendees to join their performance.
KRTUfest 2025 was more than just a concert, but rather a celebration of community, connection, and culture. From raw vocals to psychedelic guitars, the night captured the distinct and vibrant essence of San Antonio’s Indie music culture. See you on the dance floor in 2026.
By Angelina D’Elia
The first annual YARfest took place in Round Rock, Texas, earlier this year, and two of our interns were lucky enough to snag media passes for the event.
Produced by 1214 Entertainment, Y-A-R stands for Young Asians Represent, and their mission is to celebrate a new era of independent Asian artists, highlighting Asian culture and talent in Texas and the United States as a whole.
“In Texas we have a lot of culture communities, but we’re kind of in our own bubble,” said 1214 Entertainment co-founder Echo Yan. “And what is the easiest way for people to talk and get into contact with each other? Through music. In music, there is no language barrier— it breaks the boundary.”
The two-day festival showcased dozens of local ATX artists such as AZXO, Francene Rouelle, Kid Keith, Lava Hong, Maru Haru, promqueen, The Dropouts, Tiger He, and Tyler Kole, along with national and international headliners, including Justin Park, KIRE, the North Star Boys, REI AMI, sunkis, and Tiffany Day.
“I get so excited whenever I see an Asian musician, because I feel like there’s not a lot in mainstream media… I think particularly in entertainment a lot of Asian artists aren’t encouraged to pursue a career in art because it’s not a ‘standard career,’” explained JONAVI, an R&B artist from Dallas, Texas. “But it’s so inspiring to me, and I hope that when people see me doing this they get inspired to pursue it as well.”
Not only did YARfest promote local and Asian musicians, but they took care to support other local AAPI businesses, as well. Featuring a vibrant night market and dozens of local restaurants and businesses, this festival had everything covered, and we would highly recommend checking them out next year for the chance to support local music and experience a thoroughly well-planned music festival.
“It was super impressive for such a new festival,” KRTU intern Matthew Miller reflected, “It was really the quality of a much more established festival like ACL, but with a more intimate crowd. I would definitely love to go again.”
For the full festival review and more artist interviews, check out our video on YouTube!
A special thank you to Trinity University alumni Martin Li, head of PR at 1214, for the incredible opportunity to attend.
