The Coastal Bend is defined as much by its music culture as by its coastal identity. Selena’s influence on our musical fabric cannot be overstated, but neither can the impact of the countless local artists our community has supported. From the rise of Tejano music in the 1960s to the venue boom of the late 1990s and the scene we know today, one thread connects every era: helping hands.
This feature takes you along the journey to our current music scene, starting with the hardcore history of our longest-running venues, into what our current music infrastructure looks like and rounded out with a handful of local spotlights. Learn the history from the people who lived it, from those still living it and from those documenting the story along the way.
The Hardcore History of Corpus Christi’s Live Music Venues
How Corpus Christi’s DIY punk scene built the foundation for the city’s modern live music industry, and why its influence still shapes every stage downtown.
Inside the Executive Surf Club, a storm brews over the lunch rush. “You gotta think, the crowd is going from kids, families and tourists to this almost pre-storm energy,” said Richard Lomax, current CEO and second-generation steward of the Water Street family enterprise. During Surf Club’s nostalgic “golden age” back in the ’90s and early 2000s, Lomax came of age to the smell of fried shrimp and the sound of rock music. Read More >>>
State of the Scene
The ecosystem of growing artists in Corpus Christi across stages, genres and mediums.
On any given weekend, live music fills bars, breweries and clubs across Corpus Christi. While fans hoping to catch a Billboard 100 act may have to travel elsewhere, that was never the city’s role. Corpus has long been a place where artists learn their craft before moving on to bigger stages. Read More >>>
Local Playlist
Coastal Bend-based artists we think you should know (and add to your playlists).
Live music fills dozens of stages across Corpus Christi every week. From Sunday to Sunday, you can find everything from singer-songwriters creating an intimate atmosphere to metal bands reminding you to wear ear protection, and Jimmy Buffett tribute acts keeping the island vibes alive. Read More >>>
