Gunter Hotel Blues Celebration this Nov. Featuring Robert Johnson’s Grandson + Other Artists       The Gunter Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is excited to announce and commemorate the 90th anniversary of Robert Johnson’s 1936 recording session at the hotel with three days of music, perf ormances and programming November 12-14, 2026. The weekend will feature special programming with Robert Johnson’s grandson and his family, as well as live performances from Robert Randolph, Ally Venable, Tomar The FCs, Nicky Diamonds and others. As part of the celebration, musician in his own right Steven Johnson will record his grandfather’s songs in Room 414 – the site of Robert Johnson’s historic recording session – and in the Gunter Studio. The private recording sessions will create a powerful full circle moment, connecting the original 1936 recordings with a new generation of the Johnson family sound. The recordings will be released by the family and the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation at a later date. A portion of the proceeds from the ticketed events throughout the weekend will benefit the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving the music and memory of Robert Johnson through the provision of arts education, competitions and scholarships.       “We’re honored to bring so many talented people together in one place to celebrate our hotel’s history and Robert Johnson’s legacy,” said Gunter Hotel Owner Jiwon Choi. “It is our hope and our mission to celebrate those that have come before us, and encourage future generations of artists that may come through our doors.”       A Celebration 90 Years in the Making Starting on Thursday, November 12, the Gunter Hotel will kick off three days and nights of commemorative programming. The schedule of events is as follows:   Thursday, November 12 5 – 7 PM: Gunter Studio Tours Noted producer and musician Michael Ramos will be offering tours of the newly opened, state-of-the-art Gunter Studio for interested parties. Ramos played an integral role in designing the Studio with acoustician Steve Durr. Space is limited, so tours will be available on a first come, first serve basis.       7 – 9 PM: Nicky Diamonds performs Robert Johnson Revue in the Studio Lounge Texas blues artist Nicky Diamonds will pay homage to the legendary Robert Johnson by performing an intimate, acoustic set including many of the songs that Robert recorded in 1936 in the hotel. Tickets for the show are available to purchase for $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased HERE.     9 PM – 12 AM: The Aaron Stephens Trio at Bar 414 Aaron Stephens brings a blend of blues, soul, jazz and American roots music to Bar 414, pairing honest storytelling with the warmth of tradition and a style distinctly his own. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited, so guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure their spot.       Friday, November 13  6 – 7 PM: A Conversation with the Robert Johnson Family moderated by Hector Saldaña at the Gunter Studio Lounge Guests are invited to attend a panel discussion in Gunter’s Studio Lounge featuring members of the Robert Johnson family, including his grandson, Steven Johnson. This discussion will cover the legacy of Robert Johnson and the impact his music has had on generations of artists and communities. The panel will be moderated by Hector Saldaña, curator of the Texas Music Collection at The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited, so guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure their spot.     8 – 10 PM: Tomar The FCs and Jordan Matthew Young live in The Crystal Ballroom The Gunter’s Crystal Ballroom will play host to the musical stylings of beloved Austin soul group Tomar The FCs with support from Jordan Matthew Young. Frontman of Tomar the FCs, Tomar Williams, got his start as a boy singing lead in his family’s band, touring the Chitlin’ Circuit – the same network of Black-owned and Black-friendly venues that carried musicians through the segregated South and Southwest, and that brought performers to San Antonio’s East Side – mirroring Robert Johnson’s journey that led him to record at the Gunter Hotel. Tickets for the show are available starting at $39 HERE.       10 PM – 1 AM: Nick Brown The Blues Cruise at Bar 414 Bona fide San Antonio blues band Nick Brown The Blues Cruise will keep the celebration going with their late night set at Bar 414. Featuring the music of blues icons like B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Freddie King, and many more. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited, so guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure their spot.     Saturday, November 14 7 – 10:15 PM: Live Music Showcase in the Crystal Ballroom, Feat. Robert Randolph, Ally Venable, and The Steve L. Johnson Band  The celebration will culminate Saturday night with a marquee blues showcase in the Crystal Ballroom, bringing together acclaimed artists for a powerful tribute to Robert Johnson’s enduring legacy. Headlining the show is Robert Randolph, a pedal steel virtuoso who learned the instrument in the House of God Church, where the sacred steel tradition dates to the 1930s. He has toured with Eric Clapton, played Austin City Limits and earned multiple Grammy nominations. He recently secured his first Grammy Award win for Best Contemporary Blues Album for his album Preacher Kids.       Texas blues-rock singer/songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire, Ally Venable, will also pay tribute to the legend on Saturday night. Ally’s work has topped the Billboard charts and she has recorded with the likes of Buddy Guy and Joe Bonamassa. The Steve L. Johnson Band, led by Robert Johnson’s grandson, will also perform during the showcase. Dr. Marco Cervantes, a professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio and performing artist under the name Mexstep, will emcee the show. Tickets are available starting at $59 HERE.   10 PM – 1 AM: The Eve Monsees Trio at Bar 414 To top off the weekend’s festivities, the Eve Monsees Trio will perform a late night blues set at Bar 414. Austin-based Eve Monsees is known for being one of the most fluent traditional blues players in the state of Texas. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited, so guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure their spot. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited, so guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure their spot.     An Iconic Musical History Since reopening in 2025 following a $70M renovation, the Gunter Hotel has proudly honored its musical past. The most recognizable moment of musical history that took place within the Gunter’s hallowed halls, was when blues visionary Robert Johnson walked into room 414 and recorded what would become some of the most influential recordings in music history. That session gave birth to “King of the Delta Blues Singers” and sent reverberations through generations of artists. Musicians, including John Mellencamp, have made the pilgrimage to Room 414 ever since, drawn by the room’s mythic creative energy. Robert Johnson’s music has inspired countless musicians across a multitude of genres and his works have been covered by industry titans like Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and more.       Though the famed recordings have left an unmistakable mark on the hotel, the musical influences at The Gunter go beyond Robert Johnson’s incredible legacy. The hotel also hosted big band leaders like Alphonse Trent, Mack Rogers and Henry Lange who all held residencies within the Gunter Hotel. Jimmie Rodgers, the Father of Country Music, also called the Gunter home throughout his life.       A Living Music Program As part of its dedication to music, the Gunter Hotel has formed a special musical council to advise on programming, the recording experience and more. The council currently includes members like blues musician Nicky Diamonds, music advocate Celeste Quesada, musician and producer Adrian Quesada of the Grammy Award-winning Black Pumas, Will and Noel Bridges of Antone’s Nightclub, San Antonio’s own Joe Reyes and cosmic cowboy Garrett T. Caps.       To help celebrate the iconic recording, the Gunter Hotel is also offering the Stay Legendary package, offering a 20% discount on the best available room rate, a commemorative Robert Johnson vinyl record and late check out (subject to availability). This offer is available exclusively to concert ticket holders and valid for stays during the week of the celebration. Concert tickets must be purchased separately. The package can be purchased HERE.       For updates and happenings at the Gunter Hotel, follow along on Instagram and Facebook. For additional details about the hotel, visit www.thegunterhotel.com. ...read more read less