Since opening its doors in 1974, Cheatham Street Warehouse has served as a music oasis for San Marcos locals and Texas State students.
Blaine Moore, head bartender at Cheatham Street, said Kent Finlay, Texas State alumnus and founder of the venue, leased an old warehouse in June of 1974 with Jim Cunningham, San Marcos Daily Record columnist, and transformed it into a music staple in the community.
Moore said Finlay showcased a variety of local Texas artists, which eventually led to performances by George Strait, Stevie Ray Vaughn and the Sexton Brothers.
Moore said Cheatham Street Warehouse hosts more than just concerts.
The venue is also home to a weekly songwriters’ circle, which allows artists from the community to showcase their music. The only thing songwriters must bring is original content, Moore said.
“Every week there is a new kid, or somebody driving in for the songwriter circle night,” Moore said. “It’s just kind of cool to see the new talent.”
Andrew Watson, San Marcos resident, said he has been able to broaden his musical taste since he discovered the weekly meetings.
Watson said he enjoys sitting in on the performances and soaking in the talent around him.
“I used to come all the time,” Watson said. “I love this type of music, and it’s so rad to see new talent. Not even they themselves know how talented they are yet.”
Moore said Finlay was adamant about keeping the history and old-time feeling of the venue alive.
“He wouldn’t let us clean up the cobwebs,” Moore said. “He called it ‘the magic.’ He was real big on keeping it old fashioned. He wanted to keep it the same, like when he opened it in the ‘70s.”
Cheatham Street Warehouse.
Finlay sold the building in 1983, but the business quickly ended up back in his lap after the new owner experienced financial difficulties.
“Who knows why he decided to sell it back then, but for it to come right back to him shows that he was never supposed to leave in the first place,” Watson said. “Finlay belonged here.”
Tristan Aday, criminal justice sophomore, said the history behind Cheatham Street is one of the reasons why many locals and visitors are so fascinated by the location.
“They have discovered and seen a lot of famous people,” Aday said. “We all know who George Strait is, and to find out that Cheatham was one of the places where he first started is really crazy to think about.”
Aday said the venue played a significant role in Texas country history by discovering a variety of musicians who later went on to have successful careers.
“I don’t think somewhere like this could not have played a role in Texas history,” Aday said. “Music is a big part of history when you think about it.”
Watson said the history within the walls of the warehouse is what makes the location one of San Marcos’ most prized possessions.
Watson said most of the magic happening on stage at Cheatham Street has a lot to do with the way Finlay has treated artists since the beginning.
“Country and folk music, or whatever you want to call it, may not be everyone’s favorite,” Watson said. “But there’s no denying that this is a place where any artist can come and be who they are without feeling judged or scared.”
Moore said the warehouse is a place for all types of music, not just Texas country artists.
“There have been people who have rapped, or done spoken words,” Moore said. “People think of it as a country bar, but we have blues and rock and roll bands all the time. There’s some real different stuff.”
Justin Kahn, San Marcos local, said his favorite thing about the warehouse is that it has managed to maintain the environment Finlay created when it first opened.
“I know this place still tries to live up to what it was first meant to be,” Kahn said. “It’s a comfort place for all musicians and music lovers.”
Finlay passed away in March, but Watson said Cheatham Street Warehouse continues to host events and serve as one of San Marcos’ most well-known watering holes in his honor.
“It’ll always be special to San Marcos,” Watson said. “You can only find a place like this here in San Marcos to begin with—it’s what makes this city so special.”