Tejano Nation

Shelly Lares performs at 39th annual Tejano Music Awards. | Photo: Mariaelena Arocha

Shelly Lares has entertained Tejano fans for 38 years and “Little Miss Dynamite” is opening “The Vault” to offer her fans, known as Shellians, a collection of rare, hard to find items accumulated by her late father, Fred Lares, over the years.

“These are all items that are definitely, if you’re a true Shellian, definitely major collection here because we don’t make these things anymore — music, merchandise, posters — we don’t do those anymore,” Lares said in a social media video. “Those are from my early discography.”

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The collection, available exclusively at the Tejano ROOTS Hall of Famer’s official website ShellyLares.Online, includes rare and hard to find vinyl, cassettes, and merchandise from the 1990s.

“I’m super excited to have them up there for you guys to purchase,” added Lares. “The Vault is for true Shelly Lares fans that definitely want to add to their collection.”

The GRAMMY nominee returned to the studio this week for the first time since before the pandemic to finish up her highly-anticipated LMD82 album that will celebrate her 38 year music career. She released her latest single, “Salsidpuedes,” a catchy, retro-sounding cumbia this summer.

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A true-crime podcast series that chronicles the life, murder, and legacy of Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla-Pérez earned Best Podcast at the inaugural B+C Awards announced this week by Broadcasting + Cable, a publication covering the television industry for more than 80 years.

Selena: A Star Dies in Texas is a fast-paced, tightly-edited podcast that was a joint effort between Tegna’s ABC affiliate KIII Corpus Christi and Tegna’s VAULT studios, narrated by veteran Tejano industry host and KIII news anchor Rudy Treviño.

In making the award announcement, B+C said, “Judges applauded the use of first-time or rarely heard archival audio, including an exclusive jailhouse interview with Selena’s former friend and business partner who fired the fateful shot. We could clearly hear that this was a labor of love for everyone who helped put these episodes together.”

Twenty-five years ago, Selena was already a legend in the Tejano music world and on the verge of crossover superstardom. But on March 31, 1995, after an argument in a motel room in Corpus Christi, Texas, Selena’s close friend and business partner Yolanda Saldívar fired a single bullet into her back as she was trying to flee. Selena was pronounced dead a short time later.

The podcast, released in May, follows the timeline to her tragic death. “It shows how millions of fans were shattered,” said B+C. “The podcast also effectively explores the enduring legacy of this musical giant from Texas.”

The B+C Awards recognize local the TV industry’s most powerful, innovative, or engaging content, programming, and special projects in news, public affairs, and community relations – and the people and teams who produced it.

DJ Kane dropped a video teaser for “Con Limon Y Sal,” a collaboration with Erick Sanchez of Massore and rapper Baby Bash.

The clip shared on DJ Kane’s social media gave fans a taste of the party track that is definitely made to heat up the dance floor in the club.

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“Con Limon Y Sal” is scheduled to be released on Sept. 25, along with another single from the original Kumbia Kings lead vocalist, “Bajo Las Estrellas” featuring Prana.

In August, DJ Kane signed with Faro Latino, a company based in Argentina, that includes a record label, distribution, publishing, legal services, and more.

The two-time Latin GRAMMY nominee will release his music via his own JKANEMUZIK label, includng his upcoming album Capitulo IV. The album will feature multiple genres including cumbia, ballads, reggaeton, reggae, trap, and more cumbia, recorded in English and Spanish, from a list of top-notch producers.

Buck’s Backyard in Buda, Texas. | Courtesy photo

After months away from the stage due to the COVID-19 pandemic, live music is slowly returning to venues across Texas. Buck’s Backyard in Buda, Texas will host the return to the stage for AJ Castillo on Saturday, Oct. 3, his first performance since the beginning of the pandemic.

The all-ages event will also include performances from Ricky Naranjo Y Los Gamblers, Los Garcia Bros, and country band Broken Arrow, at the large outdoor Central Texas venue with acres and acres of room for dancing and social distancing. Organizers will practice COVID-19 guidelines, masks will be required. Lawnchairs are suggested to bring for seating.

Buck’s Backyard is located at 1750 FM 1626 in Buda, Texas. Doors open at 5 p.m., live music starts at 6 p.m. General admission and VIP options are available. Tickets are available online at eventbrite.com through Friday, October 2, at 2 p.m. For additional info and ticket hub locations call 512-787-2489 or check out the flyer below.

Rising star Monica Saldivar has released the official music video for “Revolución,” the latest single from the 2015 Tejano Idol winner’s eponymous debut album.

“The song has always been really powerful for me,” Saldivar tells Tejano Nation about the track penned by Eduardo “Yayo” Anguiano and produced by Eddie Perez of La Calma. “They are incredible musicians as well as songwriter and producer and when we got this song we knew it was going to be powerful so we wanted to make sure the music video was going to be powerful as well in the presentation.”

The visual, filmed and produced by Ryan Bazan, is a powerful presentation for “Revolución” and a joint effort with her family, according to Saldivar.

“We wanted it to be a story,” she added. “We wanted people to understand it even outside of the context of the song, that women can be empowered even after a breakup.”

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“It’s a very strong and powering breakup song for women. I wanted it to be acted out,” she said. “I wanted it to have some flare to it, something that I have never done before I never did any acting.”

Saldivar released her debut album in December 2019 that included the hit singles “Me Cuesta Tanto Olvidarte”, “Pidelo Ahora”, and “Para Olvidarte.” She is already planning her sophomore album.

The singer will be a part of an upcoming streaming concert with “A LOT To Love Mansfield” scheduled for this fall presented by The LOT Downtown via the organization’s Facebook and Instagram social media pages.

DJ Kane performs at 39th annual Tejano Music Awards. | Photo: Mariaelena Arocha

DJ Kane has returned with a new single, “Bajo las Estrellas” featuring Prana, released on Sept. 25.

Throughout his extensive music career, DJ Kane has dabbled in various styles such as cumbia, reggae, hip-hop, R&B, and ballads. Despite being born in New York, he has always been recognized as a bilingual Mexican-American artist. His latest release, “Bajo las Estrellas”, is an optimistic song that reflects on a feel-good moment for these difficult times.

“I love to write good feelings songs, considering everything that’s happening today with this pandemic and negativity going on in the world. I’m not feeling sad, hurting, or hate types of songs… I think we have enough of that”, explained DJ Kane, who also added that he came up very naturally with the melody and the concept of the song.

About choosing Prana as a featured artist, he added: “I heard this girl singing and I immediately fell in love with her tone. There are a lot of great singers out there, but I’m more of an identification lover — in other words when you turn on the radio and you know who is singing. So I included her and everybody we showed it to, loved it.”

He also added Chris Perez — the husband of late Latin music icon Selena — on guitar. “Bajo las Estrellas” is a catchy mix of pop, R&B, and reggaeton: “Coming from the Kumbia Kings and a world of cumbia, it feels good just to switch it up every once in a while”, DJ Kane expressed.

The song, mastered and mixed by Mike Griffith and Pete Manriquez is available now on all digital platforms.

DJ Kane — “Bajo las Estrellas” featuring Prana (Lyric Video)

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DJ Kane emerged on the music scene in 1997 as the lead vocalist of the world-famous Kumbia Kings founded by A.B. Quintanilla III. The original band members released six successful albums and sold millions of copies. They had major hits such as “Shhh!”, “Boom Boom”, “Fuiste Mala”, “No Tengo Dinero”, “Desde Que No Estás Aquí” and many more. In 2004, he released his self-titled solo debut album, which hit #2 on the Billboard charts with songs like “La Negra Tomasa” and “Mía”. He also earned two Latin Grammy nominations for Best Urban Album and Producer of the Year.

Ceci Zavala released her debut single, “Tik Tok”, on Sept. 25, an electrocumbia version of the 2009 hit song originally recorded by pop star Kesha.

Zavala emerged on the scene last year as part of two collaborations with electrocumbia artist Cesar K-oso, including a cover version of “The Middle” from Zedd, country singer Maren Morris and duo Grey, and “Donde Que Quiera Estés,” the 1994 duet originally recorded by late Tejano icon Selena and the Barrio Boyzz.

“It’s a cover, it’s a cumbia, kind of like ‘The Middle’, how we made it electrocumbia,” Zavala tells Tejano Nation. “It’s in English and we put of course our twist on it and it’s a real fun song.”

The track was produced by Jorge “El Guero” Hernandez and Carlos Alvarez at Big Trax Studios with vocals engineered by Eddie Perez of La Calma. Zavala plans to release more singles over the next few months, including her first music video for her solo debut single.

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The San Antonio singer recently starred on the premiere of Sing On!, the singing competition show from Netflix, where she showcased her amazing vocal talent in front of a worldwide audience.

The nominations for the 21st Latin Grammy Awards were announced by the Latin Recording Academy on Tuesday morning.

Nominees for Best Tejano Album include 25th Anniversary Contigo from Jay Perez, Live In Mexico from La Mafia, Pelicula, Vol. 1 from Siggno, It’s Time by South TX Homies, and Pa’ La Pista Y Pa’l Pisto, Vol. 1 from El Plan.

The only peer-selected award celebrating excellence in Latin music, the Latin GRAMMYs are voted on by The Latin Academy’s international membership body of music creators, who represent all genres and creative disciplines, including recording artists, songwriters, producers, mixers, and engineers.

The 21st Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards nominees were selected from more than 18,000 entries across 53 categories, reflecting an expansive range of artists who released recordings during the eligibility period (June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2020). The Latin Recording Academy’s online entry process allowed members and record labels to submit product digitally during the COVID-19 pandemic and paved the way for the first-ever — and very successful — virtual screening and nominating process that enabled the participation of the large majority of voting members, regardless of their location.

“Over the last year, we continued engaging in discussions with our members to improve the awards process and actively encouraged diverse Latin music creators to join and participate. Today, we are proud to unveil the nominees for the 21st Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards — a group that reflects the constant evolution of Latin music,” said Gabriel Abaroa Jr.,President/CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “Our Academy is stronger than ever as members are engaged, better informed, and committed to elevating and honoring musical excellence across all genres of Latin music. This year’s class of nominees is the result of a resilient and genuine awards process.”

The final round of voting to determine Latin GRAMMY® winners will begin Oct. 8. Winners will be revealed by The Latin Recording Academy on Nov. 19 at the 21st Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards’ Premiere and telecast ceremonies.

The 21st Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards telecast will air live on Univision at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT). With the theme “Music Makes Us Human,” the reimagined telecast will be anchored from Miami with uplifting performances from multiple cities around the world. Additional international broadcasting partners will be announced at a later date.

Preceding the telecast is the Latin GRAMMY Premiere ceremony where the majority of the 21st Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards categories will be awarded. This long-established afternoon full of unforgettable performances and heartfelt acceptance speeches will be a virtual, high-quality production featuring remote performances and the ability for all nominees to participate.

For the complete list of nominees for all 53 categories, visit LatinGRAMMY.com.

Aisha is a rising star in Tejano music. After beginning her career as a backup vocalist for some of Tejano’s top singers, the talented singer released her solo debut album, Mi Vida En Cancion, in 2018, featuring many hit songs and received a Best New Female nomination a the 2019 Tejano Music Awards.

Now, the San Antonio vocalist has released a new single, “Por Un Beso.”

“The song is a little bit different than what I’ve normally done. I’m really excited about it and it’s doing very well,” Aisha tells Tejano Nation about her latest release.

“It’s a love story but it’s also a drinking song at the same time,” she laughed.

The track was produced by Gabriel Zavala and written by Aisha’s husband Max Aparicio, who also penned her previous single “No Te Preocupes.”

“They kind of both put their heads together and, you know, a little bit from Gabe a little bit from Max,” she said. “It’s a story of about our love life. How we met and with one kiss everything changed.”

“That’s where I got the idea to do my graphic in a romance novel like picture theme,” she added.

“Por Un Beso” will be part of Aisha’s upcoming sophomore album that she plans to release before the end of the year. She also plans to release a song for the holidays and has a few collaborative projects in the works.

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South Tx Homies burst on the music scene earlier this year with the release of their debut album, It’s Time, in April and the group received a nomination on Tuesday for Best Tejano Album at the 21st Latin GRAMMY Awards.

“There’s been a series of events that have led up to his moment,” South TX Homies accordionist Anthony Treviño tells Tejano Nation about the nomination.

Trevino, who was previously a member of The Hometown Boys for over a decade until his journey ended in 2019, started this new band with former members of the legendary Conjunto group.

“Everything happens for a reason,” said Treviño. “The whole process, getting picked up by M Group, them believing in what we’re doing, believing in me, and getting the guys that we got.”

South TX Homies members include guitarist Luis Flores, drummer Javier Torres, vocalist Andrew Rodriguez, and bassist Jesse “Chuy” Flores.

The group’s debut album was produced by Lorenzo “Papo Banda, bassist for Elida Y Avante.

“Having him on board we just really took our time with the album,” said Trevino. “We were able to put out a great album. We’re very proud of it.”

The album reached the top spot of the iTunes Regional Mexican Albums sales chart less than 24 hours after its release.

South TX Homies are already working on their sophomore album and are planning to release a new single in October that will focus on the current pandemic.

“COVID has kind of hit a lot of people pretty hard,” Trevino said. “People have been dealing with a lot of losses and we just felt like this song, we wanted to put out and we kind of did our own rendition of it. I can’t release the title yet but it’s a very beautiful song. One thing I will say is that we partnered up with a mariachi for this song.”

The final round of voting to determine Latin GRAMMY winners will begin Oct. 8. Winners will be revealed by The Latin Recording Academy on Nov. 19 at the 21st Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards’ Premiere and telecast ceremonies.

Kelly Clarkson and her band performed a moving cover of “Dreaming of You” by Selena in the latest edition of Kellyoke from the singer’s daytime TV talk show.

On Tuesday, the Texas native paid a beautiful tribute to the “Queen of Cumbia,” Selena. Clarkson sang “Dreaming of You,” the title track from the late Latin music icon’s posthumous 1995 album.

PopSugar described Clarkson’s performance: “She kept to the song’s original dreamlike softness, hitting the impassioned yet velvety notes all the way through the song. Though it’s still notably different from Selena’s rendition purely because of the differences in their voices (no one will ever sing like Selena!), Clarkson’s cover is just as delicate and reverent as the love song calls for.”

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The Latin Recording Academy announced the nominations for the 21st Latin Grammy Awards on Tuesday and Siggno nabbed two nominations including Best Tejano Album for Pelicula, Vol. 1, and Regional Song of the Year for “#Hashtag”.

“I’m just grateful to God for the opportunities that present themselves,” Siggno frontman Jesse Turner tells Tejano Nation about the nominations. “I’m very grateful to the Latin Grammy committee and I’m also wishing the best of luck for everybody else who got nominated from songwriters to bands to every person that got nominated.”

“#Hashtag,” a song from the Siggno’s latest album, written by Turner, Gabriel Flores, and Wences Romo received a Latin Grammy nomination.

“I think the most surprising nomination was the one for Regional Song of the Year,” said Turner. “I’ve always said our music doesn’t have any boundaries. We’ve already won for Best Norteño Album but our music is so in-between that you can call it whatever you want, so this time around it’s the Tejano Album of the Year.”

After a tough year with the global COVID-19 pandemic, Turner is happy to receive good news with the nominations. “This year I’ve seen friends and people pass from COVID-19, it’s crippled our economy, it’s crippled people individually, it’s broken spirits, it’s made other families stronger,” he said. “When I thought things were going to be as bad as they can be, for us there was a little bit of light and that light is nominated not just for one but two Latin Grammys.”

This marks six Latin Grammy nominations for Siggno, winning Best Norteño Album in 2008 for Six Pack.

For the complete list of nominees for all 53 categories, visit LatinGRAMMY.com.

Tina Mares released her new single and music video, “Lo Que Un Día Soñé,” on Sept. 22.

The track was written by Eduardo “Yayo” Anguiano and produced by Latin Grammy winner Anthony Perez.

“Basically the song is about being friend-zoned,” Mares tells Tejano Nation. “Obviously it’s more common with females friend-zoning men. I thought I’d try something different where the female is the one that gets friend-zoned.”

The video was filmed in Las Vegas, Nevada by Laredo-based Interline Films and directed by Roel Nava.

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During filming in Sin City, Mares was surprised by her man, musician Billy Silva.

“I got married,” exclaimed Mares. “It was totally a surprise! I expected it but didn’t expect it to be that soon.”

Mares and Silva tied the knot Vegas-style with a drive-thru marriage ceremony, but the couple plan to celebrate with family and friends with a big-time wedding ceremony in October 2021. The couple welcomed a baby boy in August 2017.

The singer is also working on a full album, including a duet with a surprise female artist that she’s keeping a secret for now.

LOS ANGELES, CA – October 1, 2020 — (LATINX NEWSWIRE) — MyCajita, the first subscription box and online marketplace of Mexico, announces its third edition of its Day of Dead themed box just in time for the commemoration.

Mexico’s “Día de Los Muertos,” is an ancient Mesoamerican tradition now embraced outside of Mexico that continues to gain acceptance for its uplifting message of celebrating the lives of loved ones who have passed on. Popularized by the Disney movie, Coco, the Day of the Dead holiday has become intertwined with Catholic traditions and shortened from a month-long event to celebrations that are held on November 2. The first two editions of this box sold out attesting to the growing practice of building an altar at home to welcome and honor the spirits of deceased loved ones back for one night.

“We are excited about the authentic elements we have curated to make it easy for those interested in building their own altar at home,” says Danny Vivian, My Cajita Chief Operations Officer. “We have curated an authentic experience so you may build your altar at home celebrating this honored tradition. From hand-carved pottery from Oaxaca to the hand-stamped Papel Picado from Puebla, and even the charcoal and copal (incense) to burn is included.”

“This year more than ever we believe this themed box will resonate because it offers a comforting way to remember loved ones that is joyful, not sad,” says Rachel Matos, MyCajita Chief Marketing Officer. This cultural tradition is a thoughtful experience to remember and celebrate the lives of our loved ones who have passed on.”

The MyCajita box comes with eight important pieces to build an altar including the featured black barro calavera (black pottery skull). The custom-designed altar set comes with 3 hand-made barro negro pieces that include a copalero with charcoal and virgin copal, to clean the air. A candelero and cempasúchil (marigold) scented candles, to light the way for the visiting departed and for the fragrance to help them find their way. And a salero and rock salt, to keep the soul pure while it is in this world visiting. There is also papel picado, and a Barro Negro Muertos Skull, a beautiful showpiece and perfect addition to the ofrenda. Add to this a glass of water to quench their thirst, their favorite food and drink, and you have an authentic altar to celebrate this tradition with honor and respect.

According to McKinsey & Company, a renowned research firm, subscription boxes like MyCajita, have experienced 100% growth between 2011 to 2016 and continue to have double-digit growth.

About My Cajita

MyCajita (Spanish for my little box) is an experiential subscription box offering one-of-a-kind artisanal products curated to charm and entertain each subscriber, members of our community, and discerning shoppers. The products are sourced directly from Mexico-based artisans which adds to the allure of this box for socially conscious consumers. Our monthly, curated, themed boxes deliver highly anticipated surprises to doorsteps everywhere. Our themed boxes include items across categories including, lifestyle, home décor, food, fashion, and beauty, which are also offered on our online shop, www.mycajita.com. Our online magazine features artisan stories and spotlights their handcrafted work and unique talents. MyCajita is headquartered in Los Angeles.

Grupo Inicio has returned with new album Disculpa La Espera, the Houston-based group’s first album in four years.

“The reason why we took four years to release something was because we were being really picky with the song selection,” JC Siller of Grupo Inicio tells Tejano Nation. “We were focusing more on lyrics…I feel like this one is way better than the previous one as far as lyrics.”

The album consists of seven tracks including the latest single and title track “Disculpa La Espera,” a mid-tempo cumbia written by 2020 Latin Grammys nominee Wences Romo.

“I feel like the title went well because all the people we know and our fan base were like ‘Hey, when is the new album coming out?’, for like three years,” said Siller. “It goes like disculpa la espera, sorry for the wait. So it kind of goes good with it.”

Disculpa La Espera from Grupo Inicio is available at all digital music platforms.

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New Mexico natives Gilbert y Esmeralda released their latest album, Canciones De Mi Vida, featuring original songs “Cachetona” and “Love Me Tonight,” both sung by Gilbert Sanchez.

This album was a year-long project for the duo while Esmeralda balanced a newborn and her business. She recorded each song from scratch, using her keyboard to record each instrument.

“I laid each track down in layers and then my Dad would help with mixing,” said Esmeralda.

Gilbert Sanchez is Esmeralda’s father and has been a musician since the early 70s. He was a part of many bands during his musical career, playing trumpet and singing. Gilbert released his debut CD, Singing with Soul, in 2006 which features a collection of oldies, R&B, and soulful songs.

Esmeralda Trujillo began her music career in grade school, singing at local talent shows. At 13 years old, she played percussion for a Tex-Mex band in Albuquerque. In high school, she sang and played bass with the school’s Spanish band and was the Drum Major for the school’s marching band. During her young adult life, Esmeralda studied Design for Performance while majoring in Theatre at the University of New Mexico.

In the last decade, Gilbert and Esmeralda have teamed up their vocal and musical talents to perform across Albuquerque.

“It was an honor to produce a CD alongside my Dad, whom I look up to,” said Esmeralda. “We had a lot of fun recording it and I think you’ll hear that excitement as you listen to each song.”

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Chris Perez will have his award-winning signature Perez Pepper Sauce in H-E-B grocery stores throughout Texas beginning in November.

The Grammy winner shared the exciting news via social media on Monday, “WE DID IT!!! Because of YOU and your support, Perez Pepper Sauce will now be available in 150 @heb H-E-B Grocery Stores throughout Texas this November and just in time for the Holidays! ( We are hoping to get into even MORE H-E-B stores when they sell out of this first round.”

Perez Pepper Sauce debuted in November 2019. Perez and partner John Gomez worked with CaJohns Fiery Foods to develop a blend of premium peppers, spices, and ingredients to develop a balance of flavor and fire.

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“It’s always been a life-long dream of mine to launch my own hot sauce brand and enter into the Fiery Foods Industry, and now we get to offer my signature hot sauce to all of you in partnership with my all time favorite grocery store, H-E-B,” Perez added.

Perez Pepper Sauce won first place at the Golden Chile Awards earlier this year in January for Condiments – “Latin” Category and the Cook-Off Food -“Marinade” at the ZestFest Fiery Food Awards.

Fans may remember the iconic scene from the movie “Selena” when Perez added hot sauce to his pizza, now Texas fans will get the guitarist’s signature sauce at H-E-B next month to add to their favorite foods.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Just in time for fall, Taco Cabana is launching three new seasonal margarita flavors. Starting today, guests can enjoy Pumpkin Spice, Sour Gummy and Blood Orange frozen margaritas

The Pumpkin Spice flavor is synonymous with fall and Taco Cabana is excited to introduce its first-ever Pumpkin Spice margarita. The three new margarita flavors join the current Taco Cabana margarita lineup of Lime, Strawberry, Mango, Strawberry Mango, Green Apple and Mangonada, which all remain available on Taco Cabana’s menu. Chamoy can still be added to any margarita at no additional charge. Margaritas are available for purchase all day, every day (starting at 10 a.m. on Sundays) at all locations in Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston and San Antonio.

“Taco Cabana guests have enthusiastically responded to our margarita lineup all summer long and we are extremely excited to continue our Taco Cabana flavor innovation with the launch of our three new seasonal margaritas,” said Rich Stockinger, CEO and President of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc.

All of Taco Cabana’s margarita flavors are available with food purchase via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, via the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MyTC! App or tacocabana.com. Select Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are now open as well. Taco Cabana margaritas are available for delivery in San Antonio only via online ordering using the MYTC! App or at TacoCabana.com.

For more information on Taco Cabana’s new seasonal margarita offerings or other menu items, visit TacoCabana.com.

One of the actors from the iconic “Anything for Selenas” scene in the 1997 biopic Selena has passed away. Frank Mendez, known for his “órale, rewind” line as the “Second Cholo” from the movie starring Jennifer Lopez, died on Sunday.

SACurrent.com reports the actor and former teacher died early Sunday morning of unknown causes after being on life support, according to social media posts from his husband, Blas Amaya-Mendez, and former students.

Madison Shepard, one of his former students, shared the announcement via Twitter. “He was the one that taught me how to [be an artist],” Shepard wrote. “I’m so sad and heartbroken. We lost a real one.”

She was taught by Mendez in an after-school film and TV program at Raul Quintanilla Middle School in Dallas between 1999-2001, according to SACurrent.com.

Frank Mendez was my middle school film teacher. But he was also the actor in the iconic Selena scene “Anything for Selenas”. He passed away last night & his husband needs help covering his funeral expenses. Please RT his gofundme. https://t.co/zgilytRMD7 pic.twitter.com/58sudkNisz
— Madison Shepard (@MadisonShepard) October 4, 2020

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The iconic scene from the movie features Mendez riding in the passenger seat of a custom 1969 Chevrolet Impala convertible when he and “First Cholo” played by Erick Carillo, notice Selena (Jennifer Lopez) trying to wave someone down to help with a stranded tour bus. When “First Cholo” realizes it is Selena, Mendez delivers his most famous line: “Pos, órale, rewind!”

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“I lucked out that it’s so memorable,” Mendez told the Corpus Christi Caller Times in 2017. “I was supposed to say reverse, but in my head, this guy was kind of an idiot. We made up a story where they had gone to a house party the night before. It was such a ball and was nice to ad-lib.”

A GoFundMe has been set up to help Amaya-Mendez cover funeral expenses.

Selena: The Series, the Netflix biographical drama about late Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla, will premiere Dec. 4.

The announcement was made by Netflix via the streaming giant’s Latinx social media arm Con Todo. In an Instagram post with the message “Every Legend Begins With a Dream,” the premiere date was announced and a teaser released.

Selena: The Series is a coming-of-age story following Selena, played by Christian Serratos, as her dreams come true and all the heart-wrenching and life-changing choices she and her family have to make as they navigate success, family, and music.

The series comes from Campanario Entertainment and is executive produced by Jaime Dávila, Rico Martinez, Suzette Quintanilla, Simran A. Singh, and Moisés Zamora.

“Selena will always have a lasting place in music history and we feel great responsibility to do justice to her memory,” Selena’s sister Suzette Quintanilla said about the series. “With this series, viewers will finally get the full history of Selena, our family, and the impact she has had on all of our lives. We are excited to partner with Campanario and Netflix to give fans a never-before-seen glimpse at our story and highlight why Selena will remain a legend for generations to come.”

On March 31, 1995, 23 year-old Selena was gunned down by her fan club president Yolanda Saldívar, outside of a motel in Corpus Christi, Texas. Two years later, the multi-award winning film Selena starring Jennifer Lopez was released and became a huge hit.

The series will be split into two parts, with the first half comprising six hour-long episodes.

Shelly Lares opens up the vault to offer fans rare, exclusive items

Selena true-crime podcast series earns ‘Best Podcast’ at inaugural B+C Awards

DJ Kane drops video teaser of ‘Con Limon Y Sal’ featuring Erick of Massore and Baby Bash

AJ Castillo returns to stage at Buck’s Backyard in Buda on Oct. 3

Monica Saldivar releases video for breakup song ‘Revolución’

DJ Kane returns with feel-good optimistic track ‘Bajo Las Estrellas’ ft. Prana

Ceci Zavala drops electrocumbia version of ‘Tik Tok’ for solo debut single

2020 Latin Grammy nominations for Best Tejano Album announced

‘Por Un Beso’ focuses on relationship origin of Aisha and her husband

South TX Homies receive Latin Grammy nomination for debut album

Kelly Clarkson covers Selena’s ‘Dreaming Of You’

Siggno nabs two nominations for 2020 Latin Grammy Awards

Tina Mares drops new single and video, ‘Lo Que Un Día Soñé’

MyCajita Brings Day of the Dead Altar Experience Into Your Home

Grupo Inicio returns with new album ‘Disculpa La Espera’

‘Canciones De Mi Vida’ is new album from father-daughter duo Gilbert Y Esmeralda

Chris Perez lands award-winning signature pepper sauce in Texas grocery stores

Taco Cabana Kicks Off Fall 2020 With New Seasonal Margaritas

‘Selena’ actor Frank Mendez from iconic ‘Anything for Selenas’ scene passes away

Netflix will premiere ‘Selena: The Series’ in December