After a long, painful slog through the music business, a struggling artist from San Antonio caught a break.
In 2023, Nicky Diamonds was asked to sing a duet with Alicia Keys at the Pilgrimage Festival in Franklin, Tennessee. He listened to a new song from Keys, memorized the lyrics and joined her on stage.
Then he forgot the words.
What was the name of the song?
“I don’t remember,” he said, laughing.
Keys was gracious to him afterwards, Diamonds recalled. The following year, he recorded a not-yet-released album in Willie Nelson’s studio.
The self-described Afro-indigenous country-roots/blues musician from Warren High School isn’t sure when that album will drop. But he’s happy to return home and play some of his new music.
On Saturday, Diamonds will open for Los Lonely Boys at the first Pearl Fest, an all-day music festival in the renowned food district. Pearl vendors include Boiler House, Casanova BBQ, Fife & Farro, Ladino, Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery and Mon Chou Chou.
“It’s a great opportunity for us,” Diamonds said of his three-piece band. “I appreciate Pearl for letting some locals shine.”
Los Lonely Boys will headline an all-Texas lineup. All the artists are from San Antonio except San Angelo’s Los Lonely Boys; Batooter and Texican Legacy are from Austin.
Free live music at Pearl Park begins at 11 a.m. with Jose Amador & Terra Nova, followed by Batooter at 12:30 p.m., Texican Legacy at 2 p.m. and LA45 with Sunny Ozuna at 3:30 p.m.
Other artists performing at no charge include The Pertnears from 2-5 p.m. and Diego Martinez from 6-9 p.m. at Hotel Emma’s Sternewirth and Josh Baca and the Hot Tamales from 6-10 p.m. at Otto’s Ice House.
Ticketed music begins at 5 p.m. on the main stage under U.S. Highway 281 and Stable Hall with Vanita Leo, followed by Mypilotis at 6 p.m., Girl In A Coma at 7 p.m., Nicky Diamonds at 8 p.m. and Los Lonely Boys at 9 p.m.
“Los Lonely Boys are legends,” Diamonds said. “We’re huge fans.”
Born in Dallas, Diamonds grew up in San Antonio as Nick Long, the son of Baptist pastor Fred Martinez. A vocalist and guitarist, Long formed an indie rock duo, Lonely Horse, and found a measure of success.
It didn’t last. There was a break from his record label, a split with the band. Pain and disillusionment led him to abandon music — only to return under a new name, Nicky Diamonds, and a new sound: country.
Unexpected opportunities opened. One came from Willie Nelson, who saw Diamond’s video for the song, “Tirame un Paro.” That led to appearances at the Luck Reunion, a music festival on Nelson’s ranch in Spicewood, Texas. It also led him to record in Nelson’s studio.
Diamonds moved to Nashville two years ago but says he will relocate to Austin soon. Until then, he’s got a gig back home at Pearl Fest, where he’ll perform for old friends and develop new fans.
“I’m excited to be there and share my music,” he said, “especially with a new audience.”
