This weekend San Antonians can enjoy free music performances with talent from around the world right here in town. 

UNITYFest is returning to San Antonio for the 11th time, bringing internationally acclaimed artists to put on free concerts at venues throughout the city from Thursday, Feb. 12 to Sunday, Feb. 15.

The festival, presented by nonprofit Musical Bridges Around the World, will close with a paid soirée on its final day featuring festive German-style music by the Alex Meixner Band at the Gunter Hotel. Tickets for the closing event start at $60.  

Known for its multicultural programming, Musical Bridges works to provide equal access to the arts. The organization says UNITYFest “reflects San Antonio’s identity as a cultural crossroads” at concert venues rooted in the city’s history. 

“UNITYFest reminds us that the strength of this city has always been found in our unity within diversity,” said Anya Grokhovski, founder and CEO in a press release. “Our reason for being is bridging the bounty of world cultures and celebrating their intrinsic beauty.” 

Here’s a look at this weekend’s lineup.

Thursday, February 12 

The Pasatono Orquesta has focused its interest and dedication to research, perform, compose and promote the musical Mixtec culture. Credit: Courtesy / Musical Bridges Around the World

Pasatono Orquesta, an Oaxacan Mexican folk group, is bringing the sounds of Mixtec village orchestras to life with strings, winds and percussion. The event is set to be “a moving performance rooted in Mexican indigenous traditions and cultural memory.” 

Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway
Tickets

Friday, February 13

EXTRAD is dedicated to presenting the deep spirit, artistry, and captivating beauty of authentic Japanese traditional performing arts to global audiences and future generations. Credit: Courtesy / Musical Bridges Around the World

Japanese Noh and Kyōgen theater group EXTRAD blends classical artistry with modern storytelling. In this performance, stylized movement, masks and music, aim to give audiences a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture.

Time: 11 a.m. to noon (matinee) and 7 to 8 p.m. (evening)
Location: Carver Community Cultural Center, 226 N. Hackberry St.
Matinee tickets and Evening tickets

Saturday, February 14  

Insun Park is a master of the Gangnyeong Mask Dance, designated as National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 34, and stands out as one of the rare female performers in a traditionally male-dominated art form. Credit: Courtesy / Musical Bridges Around the World

Insun Park & Generals is a fusion of Korean traditional mask dance and modern rock. The group’s performance will blend ancestral rhythms with electric guitar, drums and winds.  

Time: 2 to 3 p.m
Location: Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway
Tickets

Socks in the Frying Pan, a multi-award-winning trio from Ennis, County Clare, Ireland — the mecca of Irish traditional music — was formed in 2014. Credit: Courtesy / Musical Bridges Around the World

Socks in the Frying Pan is an Irish folk music trio. The group’s “dazzling musicianship, tight harmonies and playful banter” earn them recognition as “Live Band of the Year” from the Celtic Music Awards, among other awards. 

Time: 5 to 6 p.m.
Location: Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway
Tickets

Saxophonist Shelley Carrol (pictured) and Brad Leali are teaming up with for a powerhouse night of jazz. Credit: Courtesy / Musical Bridges Around the World

Saxophonists Shelley Carrol and Brad Leali are teaming up for a performance of American jazz. Their performance is anticipated to blend soul, groove and improvisation backed by a rhythm section.

Time: 7 to 9 p.m. 
Location: Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway
Tickets

Sunday, February 15

Kitka is an American women’s vocal arts ensemble inspired by traditional songs and vocal techniques from Eastern Europe and Eurasia founded in 1979. Credit: Courtesy / Musical Bridges Around the World

Kitka is an Eastern European women’s vocal ensemble known for its interpretations of Eastern European and Eurasian songs. The group’s performance aims to highlight the cultural depth and storytelling power of centuries-old vocal traditions. 

Time: 2 to 3 p.m.
Location: Chapel of the Incarnate Word, 4503 Broadway
Tickets

Kayhan Kalhor (left) is an internationally acclaimed virtuoso on the kamancheh who, through his many musical collaborations, has been instrumental in popularizing Persian around the world. Erdal Erzincan (right) is one of Turkey’s most respected folk musicians and a leading master of the bağlama. Credit: Courtesy / Musical Bridges Around the World

Kayhan Kalhor (a Grammy-winning performer of the ancient Iranian bowed string instrument called kamancheh) and Erdal Erzincan (a renowned performer of the Turkish string instrument the bağlama) are teaming up for a performance of Persian and Turkish folk music.

Time: 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Majestic Theatre, 224 E Houston Street
Tickets 

Morgan Severson is the Community Engagement Editor for the San Antonio Report. She’s formerly a news associate for CNN and has previously reported for the Houston Chronicle, Austin American-Statesman,...