SAN ANTONIO, TX — Mark your calendars for the second Sunday of every month at 7 PM*. Musical Bridges Around the World (MBAW) is kicking off Season 29 of the Russell Hill Rogers Musical Evenings, bringing a roster of global talent to iconic stages across the city.

Historic Stages, Iconic Soundscapes

Season 29 pairs world-class performances with three of San Antonio’s most historic and culturally significant landmarks:

  • San Fernando Cathedral: Founded in 1731, it is the oldest continuously operating Catholic sanctuary in the United States. Performing beneath its historic soaring arches at the geographic heart of the city offers an acoustically majestic setting deeply tied to San Antonio’s earliest history.

  • Carver Community Cultural Center: Originally built in 1918 as a cultural hub for African Americans, the Carver has served as San Antonio Eastside’s premier gathering place for artistic exchange for over a century. Having hosted music legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong, this venue carries an extraordinary legacy of creative heritage and resilience.

  • Stable Hall at The Pearl: Built in 1894, the building originally housed the Pearl Brewery’s fleet of draft horses. Recently restored into a state-of-the-art live music stage inspired by historic Texas music halls, it blends over 130 years of industrial heritage with modern acoustic design.

Large audience filling a wood-beamed concert hall with a balcony, applauding and raising hands during a live performance.

MBAW audience at Stable Hall. Photo Credit: Ray Thompson

Sam Reider & Jorge Glem | 11 October 2026 | Stable Hall

Latin GRAMMY-nominated duo Jorge Glem and Sam Reider blend the rich musical traditions of North and South America into high-energy fusion. Combining the Venezuelan cuatro with the accordion and piano, their sound seamlessly links joropo and merengue rhythms with American jazz/roots music. Headlining stages like Lincoln Center and NPR Tiny Desk, Glem and Reider celebrate the power of cross-cultural friendship and improvisation.

The Naghash Ensemble | 8 November 2026 | Stable Hall

Composed by Armenian-American John Hodian and featuring some of Armenia’s finest musicians, The Naghash Ensemble combines ancient cultural heritage with contemporary innovation. Set to sacred texts by medieval poet Mkrtich Naghash, their sound seamlessly weaves earthy Armenian folk traditions with post-minimalism, classical music and the raw energy of rock and jazz. 

The Swingles | 13 December 2026 | Stable Hall

For over six decades, these five-time Grammy® Award winners have pushed the boundaries of vocal music. Using extraordinary range and technical dexterity, the ensemble seamlessly blends seven individual voices into one iconic sound. Masters of intricate arrangement, they continuously reimagine classical, jazz, pop and folk standards alongside original work.

The Quilt: Live in Concert | 10 January 2027 | Carver Community Cultural Center

Inspired by MBAW’s award-winning documentary, this concert celebrates the profound legacy of African American music as part of DreamWeek San Antonio. Featuring an extraordinary lineup with The Jones Family Singers, the San Antonio Gospel Heritage Choir (SAAACAM), Aaron Prado and members of the Agarita Chamber Ensemble, this performance weaves together multiple genres into a soulful story of culture and resilience.

Jason Moran | 14 February 2027 *2 PM | Carver Community Cultural Center

This Houston-born jazz pianist has established himself as one of modern music’s most visionary voices since his 1999 Blue Note Records debut. Inspired by Thelonious Monk and trained at the Manhattan School of Music, he has earned critical acclaim for his innovative work, with Rolling Stone calling him “the most provocative thinker in current jazz.” Moran continues to redefine the boundaries of American music through a contemporary lens.

Quatuor Agate | 14 March 2027 | San Fernando Cathedral

Formed in 2016 and named after Brahms’s Second Sextet, this French string quartet has rapidly risen to international acclaim for their refined artistry. The ensemble has graced iconic stages including Wigmore Hall, the Concertgebouw and Philharmonie de Paris. Following their debut album featuring Brahms’s complete string quartets, Quatuor Agate continues to captivate audiences worldwide on major international tours.

Leonardo Colafelice | 11 April 2027 | San Fernando Cathedral

This Italian pianist and 2020 Gurwitz Audience Favorite is an internationally acclaimed virtuoso and top prize-winner at premier global events, including the Cleveland and Gurwitz International Piano Competition. A professor at the Conservatory of Music in Bari, he regularly performs alongside prestigious symphony orchestras and distinguished conductors worldwide.

Janoska Ensemble | 9 May 2027 | Stable Hall

Backed by seven generations of musical tradition, this ensemble fuses classical virtuosity with joyful, genre-defying improvisation to create their signature “Janoska Style.” Having toured four continents and shared stages with icons like Bobby McFerrin and Anna Netrebko, these award-winning musicians deliver electrifying live performances that consistently bring audiences to their feet, making them one of San Antonio’s favorite groups.

Always Free. Open to All.

Our founding belief hasn’t changed in nearly three decades: world-class art shouldn’t come with a steep barrier to entry. Admission remains 100% free for the entire community.

Keeping these concerts free means families, students, long-time patrons and curious first-timers can sit in the same room and share a live performance together.

🎟️ Tickets Open 17 August 🎟️

Admission is free, but seating is limited so please register for tickets online when they become available starting 17 August 2026.

  1. How to Register: Go to Eventbrite or directly on each event on our website’s calendar of events.
  2. Arrive Early: General admission seating is unassigned, so plan to arrive early to get a great spot before showtime. (Please note VIP seating for event sponsors & partners may be reserved in certain areas.)

Concert Raffles

Those who register for tickets and attend are eligible and entered into a raffle that happens at the concerts. The winner will be announced near or at the end of the concert, must be present to win. Raffle prizes may include Fiesta medals, artist CDs and even art!

Interested in Volunteering?

MBAW volunteers are a key to the success of a successful concert season. They help with setup, greeting and checking in attendees, and much more! If you are interested in supporting this free concert series through service, please fill out the form on this page and specify “Live Event Assistance.”

Artistic Fees Generously Sponsored By

 

 

Program Sponsors & Partners