NIOSA with OneAway Studios & the Celsius Band

The Celsius Band at NIOSA captured by OneAway Studios. A/V services provided by Jaws Audio.

Last week OneAway Studios co-owner, Melissa Briseno, and the Celsius Band gave some memorable performances during their week-long stay for Night In Old San Antonio (NIOSA). Their live performances took place in the heart of downtown San Antonio on the grounds of La Villita Historic Arts Village District at the Froggy Bottom section of NIOSA.

A San Antonio Tradition since 1936, NIOSA began as a harvest festival on the Mission San Jose grounds. It was called the “Indian Festival”; a street-fair for one night that shared the beginnings of what Fiesta is today in San Antonio’s early days. That first festival netted a total of $336.11 for the Conservation Society. In 1948 the one-night ,and one-street, festival was renamed to “A Night In Old San Antonio”. In 1958 NIOSA expanded to a four night festival. In 1966, the Conservation Society registered and trademarked the name, reserving it exclusively. 

Fast forward to present day, NIOSA is now the top fundraising event for historic preservation in the nation, netting roughly $1.5 Million. From NIOSA's humble beginnings to now, the fundraising event is living up to its motto, “Celebration for Preservation.” 

All proceeds from NIOSA support restoration, and preservation, of historic properties and parks throughout the city as well as provide education and advocacy programs. 

Returning to NIOSA once again, OneAway Studios co-owner, Melissa Briseno performed with the Celsius Band in the Froggy Bottom area of NIOSA. Froggy Bottom is just one of the 14 culturally themed areas to immerse yourself in that represent various cultures at NIOSA. With the famous Chicken-On-A-Stick booth located in the Froggy Bottom area of NIOSA, Froggy Bottom is one of the top areas and a crowd favorite place to visit from all of the NIOSA festivities.

To help capture the energy of the band and event attendees, OneAway Studios co-owner Esai Salinas sponsored and captured event videography and photography from the band setup to the last song performance on the inaugural night of NIOSA. As a content creator, photographer and videographer, Esai went above and beyond by going back and forth from being on stage to get up close band shots and showing just what it's like to be on stage in front of a massive crowd, to joining the crowd's point of view as everyone sang and danced, in unison, to Selena's song, “Como La Flor”, performed in a medley by Melissa and the Celsius band. Celsius performed songs from all decades and all genres throughout the night. But after sunset is when the party really started when Jaws Audio sound and light company pulled out all the stops for an amazing light show to accompany the high energy sets that began with the Selena medley led by Melissa Briseno.

I decided to participate in capturing content as well by bringing my photography gear with me to NIOSA to contribute to OneAway Studios photography and videography content. As soon as I walked through the NIOSA gates on Nueva St., a very familiar voice rang above the loud roar of the crowds. Navigating through the crowd and passing all of the food and beverage booths, I eventually found myself in the middle of everything that is NIOSA at Froggy Bottom. Watching Melissa in her art as she commanded the stage is truly something special to experience. Setting the mood and keeping everything going smoothly while performing with the Celsius band, Melissa truly captivated everyone and gave us an experience to remember.

Overall, this was an incredible experience to have been a part of. Attending NIOSA, post pandemic, reminded me of how much I had missed seeing San Antonio, as a city, so alive and bright. The whole experience was truly an amazing night to remember, enjoy, and to just get lost in a beautiful moment of life.