La Semana Alegre
After twenty-nine years, it’s back, and better than ever! La Semana Alegre, which translates to “The Happy Week,” kicked off on Thursday, May 25th, right across the street from NIOSA. For those seeking to experience all the joys of Fiesta without feeling packed in like sardines, this is the event for you! Spread out over the grounds of Hemisfair and Civic Parks for two days, there was something for everyone who loves music and the spirit of Fiesta. The Civic Stage featured a VIP space with food and aguas frescas with Tito’s, as well as an amazing lineup of local and national acts including the likes of The Toadies, Girl in a Coma, Lonely Horse, Bombasta, and Inner Wave. The Plaza stage showcased an equally talented lineup of local bands including Grupo Metal, Honey Bunny, Harvey McLaughlin, and Nicky Diamonds, whom Scene in SA had the opportunity to chat with after his performance on Friday afternoon.
Nicky Diamonds has been playing and writing music since he was ten years old. His influences include The Beatles, Son House, and Jimi Hendrix, but more than anything, he was influenced by his father.
“Whatever records he was playing is what I was listening to.” Diamonds said, “A lot of blues, southern rock and roll; I grew up a lot on that.” A San Antonio native, he’s been involved in the music scene here for over 15 years, and is excited to see San Antonio putting more focus on its local music scene. “The location [of Semana Alegre] is great, and all these new installations are really cool!” Regarding Civic Park, “This is a great place for a music festival and takes some of the pressure off La Villita and the river walk.”
He took a sip of his Modelo Especial and spoke of his hopes for the future of the space: “I like that they’re keeping true to the culture of San Antonio, especially here at Hemisfair Park. It’s a very sacred site… like the water running through is a way of giving the landscape back to itself.” Nicky was grateful to experience the opportunity to play an event like La Semana Alegre, and encouraged all artists in San Antonio to keep pushing and striving for success in the city, and showcasing their talents.
The city of San Antonio is rich with culture and talent to match; La Semana Alegre did a great job of proving just that. The event was reminiscent of years past when the party was light-hearted, fun, and inclusive, without any worry of violence, or spending an entire paycheck on having a good time. Tickets were extremely affordable at only $20 at the gate for regular entry. There were even free options, including the Sound Cream Airstream DJ booth, offering the option to dance and enjoy fiesta foods and vendors just outside the gates of the event space, as well as a third special stage on Friday showcasing a collection of young artists from around San Antonio such the AM Project, Network for Young Artists, Young Comic, and the High Voltage Music Program. There was truly something for everyone in the family at this event. Next year when you’re planning your Fiesta Festivities, be sure to include La Semana Alegre for a rocking, family friendly, good time.
Editor: Zach Jewell
Photography: Zach Jewell & Torry Sledge
