San Antonio Hotel Readies November Blues Weekend

The Gunter Hotel in San Antonio will host a three-day program November 12 through 14 to mark 90 years since Robert Johnson recorded at the property. Steven Johnson, the blues guitarist's grandson, plans to record in Room 414, where the original session took place, and to cut an upcoming album in the Gunter Studio. The Robert Johnson Blues Foundation will release that album.

Robert Johnson was 25 and from Mississippi when he checked into the hotel in November 1936. Material he recorded during that stay later influenced Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. The Gunter closed for a $70 million renovation and reopened in 2025. After reopening, the hotel opened its recording studio to emerging artists, installed a record lending library in the lobby, and formed a music council that includes Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas, Will and Noel Bridges of Antone's Nightclub, and Garrett T. Capps. Every guest room has a turntable and a copy of King of the Delta Blues Singers.

The schedule opens Thursday, November 12, with producer Michael Ramos leading Gunter Studio tours from 5 to 7 p.m. A Robert Johnson Revue featuring Nicky Diamonds runs 7 to 9 p.m. in the Studio Lounge, followed by the Aaron Stephens Trio at Bar 414 from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Friday, November 13, starts with a conversation with the Robert Johnson Family, moderated by Hector Saldana, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Gunter Studio Lounge. Tomar & The FCs and Jordan Matthew Young play the Crystal Ballroom from 8 to 10 p.m. Nick Brown & The Blues Cruise takes Bar 414 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Saturday, November 14, brings the main showcase to the Crystal Ballroom from 7 to 10:15 p.m. Pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph, who won his first Grammy for Preacher Kids, appears with Texas blues-rock guitarist Ally Venable and the Steve L. Johnson Band. Marco Cervantes, a University of at San Antonio professor who performs as Mexstep, emcees. Tickets start at $59. The Eve Monsees Trio closes the night at Bar 414 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Hotel owner Jiwon Choi said in a release that the Gunter is "honored to bring so many talented people together in one place to celebrate our hotel's history and Robert Johnson's legacy." Choi said the hotel's mission includes encouraging artists who may come through its doors.