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Claude Butch Morgan: BANDAHOLICS Weekly Gathering

The vibrant musical legacy of Claude Butch Morgan and his Bandaholics continues to thrive every Thursday night at Sanchos Cantina in San Antonio, Texas, creating a joyful gathering for local music enthusiasts amid a rich cultural landscape.

Short Summary:

  • Claude Butch Morgan’s Bandaholics host weekly music gatherings at Sanchos Cantina.
  • The band has adapted to live-streaming shows during the pandemic but returned to their beloved venue.
  • Morgan, a renowned guitarist, has collaborated with music legends and influenced the local music scene over decades.

Every Thursday, music lovers gather to experience the lively performances of Claude Butch Morgan and his Bandaholics at Sanchos Cantina, located in San Antonio’s bustling Five Points neighborhood. This weekly gathering has become a cultural staple that attracts both old fans and new attendees. Morgan, known affectionately as “Butch,” has dedicated over 50 years to the music industry, captivating audiences with his guitar virtuosity and witty lyrics.

According to

Hector Saldaña, music curator at The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University, “Whenever a big name comes to San Antonio, it’s like, ‘There’s Claude Morgan playing with them.’”

This sentiment highlights Morgan’s influence in the local music community and his reputation as a living legend among musicians.

The Bandaholics, comprising talented musicians including Robert “Robar” Adams on bass and Morgan’s son Trevor Doak Morgan on drums, aim to lift the spirits of their audience, offering a unique blend of music that spans various genres. As Morgan puts it, they strive to “put a smile on your face and joy in your heart.” This motto aligns closely with the need for community and connection that many have sought during recent trying times.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, when San Antonio entered stay-at-home orders, the Bandaholics pivoted to online performances via Facebook Live. This approach allowed them to forge a new connection with fans and earn a modest income. Morgan recalls,

“As limited as it was, we’d still bring in $300, $400 dollars for an online show.”

This adaptability speaks volumes of both the band’s skill and their commitment to their audiences.

After the easing of restrictions in Texas, the return to live music at Sanchos was met with enthusiasm. “We’re ecstatic to have the Bandaholics back,” exclaimed Sam Asvestas, co-owner of Sanchos. He further remarked, “I didn’t realize how much I missed hearing live music, and Claude’s a local music institution.” Such sentiments reflect the deep appreciation of live music and community gathering, especially in a time when these experiences were sorely missed.

Highlighted among Morgan’s achievements is a forthcoming CD titled “Bling,” encapsulating a year’s worth of live performances at Sanchos. The project showcases the evolution of Morgan’s musical journey and the close bonds forged within the band through their collaborative effort. Morgan’s lyrical prowess is equally distinguished with a plethora of songs that span decades, earning respect within the industry.

“The first song I wrote, ‘Sorrow Day,’ was in 1964,” Morgan reminisces. “It was about my girlfriend leaving me, even though I didn’t have a girlfriend at the time.”

This initial foray into songwriting beautifully encapsulates the universal themes of love and heartache, persistent through his illustrious career.

Critics often remark on Morgan’s unique ability to transcend genres.

“There’s not a lot of musicians who can play rock and roll on a Thursday night, a country gig on Friday, folk music on Saturday and then run a jam session on Sunday,”

says Jim Beal Jr., host of the “Third Coast Music Network” show on KSYM. This versatility has allowed Morgan to engage diverse audiences and maintain relevance within the ever-evolving music landscape.

Despite his monumental talent, Morgan has chosen a path that diverges from the mainstream music industry. He humorously admits,

“One, I’m lazy. And two, I never liked the music industry, because wherever it is, it ruins the music.”

This perspective speaks to his commitment to artistic integrity and the local San Antonio scene that has welcomed his unique sound.

Born in Beaumont, Texas, Morgan’s formative years were filled with music. His family frequently relocated due to his father’s job, but one constant remained—an appreciation for music. He recalls listening to legendary figures on the radio and absorbing the local musical culture.

“I loved all of it, and those guitar players were a huge influence,”

he shared, highlighting the roots of his musical journey.

Though Morgan never received formal training, he honed his craft through collaboration with seasoned musicians. This organic learning process allowed him to cultivate a distinctive style that sets him apart from others in his field. Few venture to intertwine genres as effortlessly as he does, with influences ranging from rock to country, and folk to blues.

Like many artists, Morgan faced challenges that tested his resolve. Throughout the 1980s, he battled addiction, an experience that shaped his personal and musical narrative. He candidly shares that,

“There’s a lot of bad drugs, but meth belongs to the devil.”

The pivot point in his life arrived when he found a tattered piece of paper with the phrase “Jesus is the answer” that reignited his commitment to recovery and personal growth.

With a renewed focus on both life and music, Morgan moved to Bloomington Springs, Tennessee, where he worked various jobs and reinstated his passion for music. He later returned to South Texas, where today’s Bandaholics’ journey began at Sanchos. The weekly gatherings have grown to be not merely performances but a community event that brings together fans, celebrating the infectious joy of music.

The Bandaholics have become a sanctuary for both the performers and the audience amid challenging times. Their songs resonate with themes of resilience and community—a testament to the spirit of live music. Each performance is an invitation to the crowd: to come together, share stories, and engage in an experience that is uniquely San Antonio.

As Morgan prepares for future performances and the release of “Bling,” he reflects on his journey. Despite the ups and downs, his one constant remains—an unwavering passion for music and connection with his audience.

“When you find a place where you can do what you want and don’t have to ask anyone,”

he asserts, “that’s what it’s all about.”

Every Thursday night at Sanchos, the Bandaholics continue to create cherished memories through music, ensuring that the spirit of community and heartfelt engagements linger long after the last strum of the guitar. In a way, this gathering symbolizes an oasis of joy in the bustling heart of San Antonio, a celebration not only of music but of the human experience itself.