Legendary blues celebration comes to San Antonio’s Gunter Hotel
San Antonio’s historic Gunter Hotel is set to honor blues legend Robert Johnson with a first-of-its-kind birthday celebration on May 8, blending live music, storytelling and immersive experiences.
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A legendary celebration rooted in music history
The iconic Gunter Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, will host an all-day celebration marking what would have been Robert Johnson’s 115th birthday. The event honors the legendary musician who recorded in Room 414 in 1936, cementing the hotel’s place in U.S. music history.
Fresh off a $57 million renovation, the hotel is leaning into its musical legacy with programming that blends past and present, offering guests a chance to experience the spirit of blues in the very place it helped shape.
A full day of blues, storytelling and live performances
The May 8 celebration unfolds as a carefully curated lineup of events, beginning with a panel discussion exploring Robert Johnson’s influence on blues and American music.
Guests can then move into a birthday celebration in the hotel lobby, complete with vinyl listening, poetry and a communal tribute to Johnson’s legacy.
The evening builds to a live concert in the historic Crystal Ballroom featuring acclaimed artists Sue Foley, The Peterson Brothers and Nicky Diamonds, followed by a late-night blues jam at Bar 414 for musicians and fans alike.
A weekend of music and a stay worth planning around
The celebration extends beyond a single day, with additional live performances scheduled throughout the weekend at Bar 414, further transforming the hotel into a hub for blues lovers.
To mark the occasion, the Gunter Hotel is also offering a “Stay Legendary” package, which includes concert tickets, a Robert Johnson vinyl record, a signed commemorative poster and exclusive merchandise, alongside discounted valet parking. The package is available for stays between May 7 and May 9.
A century of sound and a future built on it
Music has long been woven into the identity of the Gunter Hotel, with historic performances from big band leaders and ties to artists like Jimmie Rodgers helping shape its legacy.
Today, that legacy continues in immersive ways. Each guest room features a record player and curated vinyl, while Bar 414 hosts regular live performances celebrating local and regional talent.
Looking ahead, the hotel’s upcoming Gunter Studio, a state-of-the-art recording space opening this summer, will support the next generation of musicians and further solidify the property as a cultural cornerstone in San Antonio’s music scene.
To learn more, visit thegunterhotel.com.
