In the News | January 22, 2025

Celebrating Texas Sounds:

ITC Launches New Music Series

Celebrating Texas Sounds:

The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures is proud to collaborate with Jason Longoria, a San Antonio native and Texas music history expert. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of genres ranging from western swing to blues to the Westside sound, Longoria will explore and document the vibrant San Antonio music scene, uncovering untold stories, rare insights, and historical perspectives. His contributions will be featured in a monthly music series on the ITC’s social media channels.

The first feature is scheduled for the end of January and will be available on the @TexanCultures Instagram and Facebook accounts.

“Jason brings critical insight to Texas’s unique music history and culture,” said ITC’s Head Curator, Bianca Alvarez. “His contributions will highlight the incredible diversity of musical traditions in Texas and their lasting influence on today’s sounds.”

Longoria is a proud UTSA graduate with a dedication to preserving local music history. He has served on the boards of the Conjunto Heritage Taller and the South Texas Museum of Popular Culture, where he helped organize events and exhibits celebrating Texas’s musical heritage.

“I love sharing and learning about all things related to local music and am excited to work with the ITC to highlight the voices and stories that make our city’s music scene so unique,” said Longoria.

Longoria shares his passion for Texas music and San Antonio’s rich musical past on Instagram at @elwestsidesound.

While the ITC begins constructing its new facility at Frost Tower, it will continue to engage the community with educational resources exploring Texas’s rich culture, heritage, and traditions.

By James Benavides