The Gunter Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is excited to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Robert Johnson’s historic 1936 recording session with the Robert Johnson 90th Anniversary Weekend, taking place November 12–14, 2026. This iconic three-day celebration will bring together live music, intimate performances, and exclusive programming to honor the legendary blues musician and his legacy.

Experience three unforgettable nights of live performances featuring Robert Randolph, Ally Venable, Tomar & The FCs, Nicky Diamonds, and The Steve L. Johnson Band, led by Robert Johnson’s grandson, alongside other talented artists. The weekend will also feature a special conversation with the Johnson family, tours of The Gunter Hotel’s brand-new, state-of-the-art music recording studio, and late-night live blues performances at Bar 414 and so much more!

As part of this historic celebration, Robert Johnson’s grandson, Steven Johnson, will record his grandfather’s songs during private sessions in Room 414, the site of the original 1936 recordings, and The Gunter Studio. These sessions will create a meaningful full-circle moment, connecting Robert Johnson’s musical legacy with a new generation of the Johnson family. The recordings will be released by the family and the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation at a later date.

A portion of the proceeds from ticketed events throughout the weekend will benefit the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving Robert Johnson’s music and legacy through arts education, competitions, and scholarships for aspiring young musicians.

With intimate venues, cabaret style seating, and only one weekend to experience it all, this is a rare opportunity to celebrate music history in the very place where it was made. Seating is limited, so get your tickets for the Robert Johnson 90th Anniversary Weekend before it’s too late.

“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.”

This Happened Here. It’s Happening Here Again.

Here’s what you can look forward to during this special weekend celebration:

An Intimate Live Music Experience.

Experience the magic of live blues performances in an intimate setting that brings you closer to the artists. Thursday’s show takes place in the Studio Lounge on the second floor, featuring cabaret tables for two. Friday and Saturday’s performances move to the Crystal Ballroom, with cabaret tables and theater seating providing guests with a great view of the live performances!

Three Unforgettable Nights, Limited Seating.

This is a one-of-a-kind celebration you won’t want to miss! Seating is limited, and tickets are going quickly. Secure your spot and experience three unforgettable nights of live music, legendary performances, and blues history.

New Recordings

Be part of a weekend where history continues to unfold. Steven Johnson will honour his grandfather’s musical legacy by recording his songs during private sessions in Room 414 and The Gunter Studio. These special recordings will be released at a later date by the Johnson family and the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation, carrying the legacy of Robert Johnson forward for future generations.

Music with a purpose.

Celebrate the blues while supporting its future. A portion of proceeds from the weekend’s ticketed events will benefit the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation, supporting arts education, music competitions, and scholarships for aspiring young musicians.

Celebrate Robert Johnson With His Family

Members of the Robert Johnson family, including his grandson, Steven Johnson, will be part of this unforgettable weekend, bringing a personal connection to the music and history being celebrated.

On Friday evening, join the Johnson family for an intimate conversation in the Studio Lounge as they share stories about Robert Johnson’s music and its lasting influence on generations of artists and communities. On Saturday night, witness a remarkable moment as Steven Johnson takes the Crystal Ballroom stage as the leader of The Steve L. Johnson Band. Ninety years after Robert Johnson recorded his legendary songs in this very building, his grandson will perform them in the same historic setting.

Don’t miss this special opportunity to experience the Johnson family legacy come full circle at The Gunter Hotel. Here’s a breakdown of the exciting events, live performances, and special experiences taking place throughout the Robert Johnson 90th Anniversary Weekend:

The Robert Johnson 90th Anniversary Weekend Schedule Breakdown

Thursday, November 12: Studio Lounge Sessions with Nicky Diamonds

The Gunter Studio Tours, 5–7 p.m.

Grammy-winning producer and musician Michael Ramos, who helped design The Gunter Studio with acoustician Steven Durr, leads tours of the new recording studio at the Hotel. Tours are free and offered first come, first served, and space is limited.

Robert Johnson Revue featuring Nicky Diamonds, 7–9 p.m.

San Antonio–raised blues artist Nicky Diamonds opens the anniversary with an intimate acoustic set in the Studio Lounge: songs Robert Johnson recorded at The Gunter in 1936, alongside originals they inspired. Enjoy an intimate listening-room experience with cabaret-style seating at tables for two, offering an up-close exclusive performance in a relaxed setting. Seating is limited, so early booking is encouraged. Advance tickets are $30 per seat.

Aaron Stephens Trio, 9 p.m.–12 a.m.

Aaron Stephens Trio will perform at Bar 414. Singer, songwriter, and slide guitarist Aaron brings blues, soul, jazz, and American roots music to the speakeasy. Admission is FREE, and space is limited, so arrive early.

Get your tickets to Thursday’s show here.

Friday, November 13: The Johnson Family, Then Tomar & The FCs

A Conversation with the Robert Johnson Family, 6–7 p.m.

Members of the Robert Johnson family, including his grandson Steven Johnson, gather in the Studio Lounge to talk about Robert Johnson’s music and its reach across generations. Hector Saldaña, curator of the Texas Music Collection at The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University, moderates. Admission is free, and space is limited, so arrive early.

Tomar & The FCs with Jordan Matthew Young, 8–10 p.m.

Friday night belongs to one of Austin’s best live soul bands! Frontman Tomar Williams started out as a boy singing lead in his family’s band on the Chitlin’ Circuit, the network of Black-owned and Black-friendly venues that carried musicians through the segregated South and Southwest and brought performers to San Antonio’s East Side. Austin’s Jordan Matthew Young, a Top 3 finalist on Season 20 of NBC’s The Voice, opens.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $39. Get your tickets to Friday’s show here.

Nick Brown & The Blues Cruise, 10 p.m.–1 a.m.

San Antonio’s own Nick Brown & The Blues Cruise take over Bar 414 with a late set built on B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Freddie King and more. Admission is free, and space is limited.

Saturday, November 14: The 90th Anniversary Showcase

The 90th Anniversary Showcase, 7:00–10:15 p.m.

The weekend’s main event brings the Crystal Ballroom to life with performances by blues, sacred steel, soul, and rock artists, each celebrating the musical legacy of Robert Johnson and the iconic songs he recorded at The Gunter Hotel in 1936.

• Robert Randolph, the pedal steel player who learned the instrument in church and won the 2026 Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album for Preacher Kids, headlines.
• Ally Venable, the Kilgore, Texas, blues-rock singer and guitarist who has recorded with Buddy Guy and Joe Bonamassa.
• The Steve L. Johnson Band, led by Robert Johnson’s grandson, Steven Johnson.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $59 for standing room, with theater and cabaret seating available. Get your tickets to Saturday’s show here.

Eve Monsees Trio, 10 p.m.–1 a.m.

Close the weekend at Bar 414 with Austin guitarist Eve Monsees, one of the most fluent traditional blues players in Texas. Admission is free, and space is limited.

Want to learn more about the talented artists performing throughout the weekend? Meet the lineup here.

Tickets and Seating for the Crystal Ballroom Shows

Both Crystal Ballroom nights offer a range of seats, from standing room to front-row cabaret tables. Cabaret tables in the front row, Tier 1 and Tier 2 are sold as full tables. Tier 3 single seats may share a table with other guests.

Add a Robert Johnson double vinyl set, signed by Steven Johnson, to your order for $50 and take a piece of the weekend home with you.

Make It a Getaway: Stay Where It Happened

The last set at Bar 414 ends at 1 a.m., and your room is just an elevator ride away.

Turn the Robert Johnson 90th Anniversary Weekend into an unforgettable San Antonio music getaway and stay at the heart of the celebration with our exclusive Stay Legendary Getaway Offer, available to guests who purchase a concert ticket.

Make the most of this historic weekend with an exclusive offer that includes:

• 20% off our Best Available Rate
• One Robert Johnson vinyl record
• Late checkout, subject to availability

This exclusive offer is available only to guests who have purchased a ticket to a Robert Johnson 90th Anniversary Weekend concert and is valid for stays during the week of the celebration.

Here’s how to book:

• Buy your concert tickets for Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.
• Book the Stay Legendary Getaway Offer to secure your stay.

Please note that concert tickets must be purchased separately from your room reservation.

Every guest room at The Gunter Hotel features its own record player, allowing you to keep the music playing long after the performances end. Book our Getaway Offer and wake up in the very building where Robert Johnson made music history in 1936.

Before and After the Show

Dining Before the Show

Make the most of your concert experience with dinner at Jots Restaurant, offering a special Pre-Theatre Menu for concertgoers just steps from the Crystal Ballroom. Before the show, stop by Keystone Club for a cocktail, or enjoy coffee and freshly baked pastries at Paris Baguette the following morning. Explore all dining options at The Gunter Hotel.

Bring the Music Back to Your Room

Keep the music playing long after the performances end with The Gunter Hotel’s Vinyl Library, featuring more than 1,000 records. Ask one of our Vinyl Ambassadors for Robert Johnson’s historic 1936 recordings and experience the music just a few floors from where it was originally recorded.

End the Night at Bar 414

The celebration doesn’t end when the final performance finishes. Continue the evening at Bar 414, tucked behind the gallery wall, where guests can gather, enjoy a drink, and celebrate the music and legacy of Robert Johnson throughout the weekend.

Robert Johnson 90th Anniversary Weekend FAQ’s

When and where is the Robert Johnson 90th Anniversary Weekend? November 12–14, 2026, at The Gunter Hotel, 205 East Houston Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205.

Did Robert Johnson really record at The Gunter Hotel? Yes. Robert Johnson recorded his first sessions on the fourth floor of The Gunter Hotel on November 23, 26 and 27, 1936, including “Terraplane Blues,” “Sweet Home Chicago” and “Come On in My Kitchen.”

Which events need a ticket? Thursday’s Studio Lounge Sessions show, Friday’s Tomar & The FCs concert and Saturday’s 90th Anniversary Showcase are ticketed. The studio tours, the Johnson family conversation and the late-night Bar 414 sets are free, with limited space.

How much are tickets? Thursday tickets are $30 in advance. Friday tickets start at $39, and Saturday tickets start at $59.

Is Robert Johnson’s family taking part? Yes. Members of the Robert Johnson family, including his grandson Steven Johnson, join Friday’s conversation, and The Steve L. Johnson Band performs Saturday night.

How do I get the Getaway Offer? Buy a ticket to any of the weekend’s concerts first. Then Book the Getaway Offer for 20% off our Best Available Rate, a Robert Johnson vinyl record and late checkout, based on availability.