Rodrigo y Gabriela Share New Music, Intimate Acoustic Set at Historic Aztec Theatre
Mexican instrumental acoustic guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela stopped in San Antonio’s Aztec Theatre to support their new album, OurHome. The venue is a historic theater in downtown San Antonio on the Riverwalk, built in 1926. It is known for its ornate details: columns with Aztec warriors with red glowing eyes, and a two-ton, two-story, 12-foot-wide chandelier that has hung in place for nearly a century.
It’s a gorgeous theater for an intimate, acoustic performance like Rodrigo y Gabriela’s. The evening had no opener; the night was dedicated to Rodrigo y Gabriela. The stage was minimal for the acoustic show: a backdrop of illustrations, two chairs, guitar stands, and a table.
Rodrigo y Gabriela are a band you have to experience to fully understand the artistry involved in their performance. It’s just two musicians and two guitars that often sound like an entire band, with the guitars also serving as drums. The speed at which they can do both is mystifying.
Although Rodrigo y Gabriela are known for their energetic performances, they started the show more reserved, almost as if saving their energy. As the night went on, they grew livelier, especially during their more complex and heavier songs.
They moved around the stage, played close to the audience, and encouraged people to dance. They mixed new and old songs throughout the set and introduced their first song with lyrics and vocals, “Somos Como Tú (We Are Like You)”, from their new album, with Rodrigo and Gabriela taking turns singing.
With several chances to see Rodrigo y Gabriela in Central Texas—including their San Antonio show, two weekends at Austin City Limits Festival, and an ACL Nights show—the San Antonio crowd was smaller than usual, but just as enthusiastic. Having more space to enjoy the show without being packed into a venue with hundreds of other people was a welcome change. And in keeping with the “OurHome” theme, the Aztec Theater definitely felt homey.
I caught Rodrigo y Gabriela at the beginning of their OurHome tour, which will continue across the US, Mexico, Australia, Japan, Ireland, the UK, and Europe until May 2027.
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