Stable Hall connects several San Antonio traditions with its Sabor Sessions, a series of weekend matinee concerts featuring lotería gaming.
Most Saturdays since mid-March, intergenerational audiences have gathered at the newish musical venue to celebrate the city’s food culture through ¡Qué Sabor! San Antonio culinary-themed lotería cards, local music in a variety of Latin American genres and tasty treats from local restaurants.
“We want these Saturdays to be an opportunity for people to come with their kiddos, bring the grandparents, we get a great mix of age ranges and all kinds of different folks,” said Libby Day, Stable Hall’s general manager.
Some people stop in for a daytime event before their evening plans, Day said, while others have made a weekly family habit of attending Sabor Sessions.
Entry is free with advance registration before 2:30 p.m. A $10 cover charge applies at the door. Doors open at 11 a.m., lotería starts at noon and the bands start their 90-minute sets at 2:30 p.m.
A bingo lounge
The series opened with all-female cumbia band Sonora Hechicera on March 16, followed by Luna Tropical and José Amador & Terra Nova on subsequent Saturday afternoons.
The success of those events propelled the series forward into April and May, beginning with dream pop artist Vanita Leo on Saturday, then Cuban salsa ensemble Haile G & Tumbao Orquesta scheduled for April 20, genre-crossers Los De Esta Noche on April 27 and Pop Pistol on May 4.
The flexible format of Stable Hall allows the main floor to be transformed into a bingo lounge with linen tablecloth-covered cocktail tables and tables for large groups.
Among food options are fresh pan dulce from Taco La Gardenia and empanadas and crispy dogs from Lala’s Gorditas, with a selection of special brunch-themed cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks including “michenadas” and aguas frescas.
Beat the heat
Local celebrities have served as lotería announcers, including Siempre San Antonio’s Gabby Gonzales, Stephanie Guerra of Puro Pinche and TikTok star DJ Georgie V.
Day said 20 to 30 prizes are given out to lotería winners each Saturday, from passes to the San Antonio Zoo and SeaWorld, gift cards from various venues including Stable Hall’s neighbors at the Pearl, and Stable Hall merch including a custom Sabor Sessions screenprinted poster by artist Gilbert Martinez, also known as FOR REAL.
Stable Hall is looking to extend the series into the summer, with the benefit of an air-conditioned venue, she added.
“We want to provide some fun opportunities for people to be able to get out and do something fun during the summertime when it’s just going to be hotter than can be outside.”
