Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Mario Ortiz (left), David Farias (center) and JR Gomez (right) perform at The Dirty South Venue in Angleton, Texas on Oct. 20. Photo: Juan Morin / Tejano Nation
An all-star lineup of Tejano artists celebrated the birthday of Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame event promoter Jim Luna in Angleton, Texas, on Oct. 20.
The event took place at the Dirty South Venue and featured special guest performances by Ram Herrera, J.R. Gomez, and David Farias along with Mario Ortiz. The festivities were hosted by Luna along with special guest Bino Gaona. from the Tejano Music Awards.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Photo: Juan Morin / Tejano Nation
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Photo: Juan Morin / Tejano Nation
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Photo: Juan Morin / Tejano Nation
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Photo: Juan Morin / Tejano Nation
“I want to personally thank all my family & friends for joining us,” Luna tells Tejano Nation. “The city of Angleton and surrounding areas came out and helped me celebrate but also made a clear statement Tejano Music is alive! Thank you to Ram, David, J.R., and Mario for their amazing talents and for bringing the musica to the stage. It was an epic night!”
Luna celebrated his birthday just months after recovering from COVID-19 when the veteran promoter tested positive in July and developed complications including pneumonia.
The promoter, who was inducted into the Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame in 2010, and Dirty South Venue will be hosting the “Tejano Taco Tuesday” concert series with the best in Tejano for live music entertainment. The artist lineup will be released at a later date.
Luna is a 43-year veteran of concert promotions and has produced many memorable Tejano events along the Gulf Coast and across the state of Texas over that time.
Billboard magazine has ranked late bicultural music icon Selena as the Greatest of All-Time Latin Female Artists and third as Greatest of All-Time Latin Artists.
The chart is based on a formula combining all titles on both the weekly Hot Latin Songs Chart and the Top Latin Albums Chart.
Selena is also recognized in two additional charts, Greatest of All-Time Hot Latin Songs with “No Me Queda Mas” at #13, “Fotos Y Recuerdos” at #29, and “Amor Prohibido” at #46.
Selena’s sister, Suzette Quintanilla, told People En Español why Selena’s legacy continues 25 years after her death. “I think where we’re at now with Selena’s legacy is there’s a whole new generation that people that were fans of our music has now passed that on to their children and their children are passing it on to a newer generation. It’s a whole new generation finding out who Selena was, not only as an artist but as a person.”
The legacy of late Tejano icon Emilio Navaira will be celebrated at the upcoming Onda Live! Chicano Music + Culture Fest on Oct. 29.
The virtual event will pay tribute to “El Rey del Rodeo” with a nostalgic musical journey of Emilio’s rise in the Tejano music industry and crossover into Country music. The heartfelt ovation will feature Emilio’s sons, Diego and Emilio IV, together with their band members from The Last Bandoleros, along with Emilio’s brother Raulito Navaira and his children, Destiny and Rigo.
Emilio Navaira passed away due to natural causes of cardiovascular disease at his home in New Braunfels, Texas, on May 16, 2016. He was 53.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
The epic virtual celebration will be part of the three-day Onda Live! Chicano Music + Culture Fest, co-hosted by Cheech Marin and Marisol “La Marisoul” Hernandez of La Santa Cecilia, with an 80th birthday celebration for music legend Little Joe and features performances from Tierra, Los Lobos, Ozomatli, and more.
OndaLive! is an all-access pass to experience “the Chicano vibe” through uniquely produced Latino lifestyle and cultural time capsule segments, musical mash ups and artist revealing vignettes, TV/Movie cast reunions and screenings, and fan sessions & advocacy panels, all amplifying the Hispanic narrative.
OndaLive! Chicano Music + Culture Fest sponsored by AARP and produced by INGEÑUITY is a 3-day celebration of Chicano music and pop culture! The unprecedented, virtual gathering is scheduled for October 27-29, 2020, from 7:30pm-10:00pm CST– to watch FREE, register at LaOndaLive.com.
Funko fanatics leaked a list recently on social media that supposedly shows the company’s 2021 planned lineup of immensely popular POP! vinyl figures and that includes Tejano music’s legendary Selenaas one of the icons to be featured in a musical lineup that also includes the late R&B star Aaliyah, who like Selena, met with an early, untimely death but continues to live on in legacy over the past 25 years.
While the company has not officially announced its 2021 product line or confirmed the rumors of a Selena POP! figure, several news outlets have already reported on the planned Selena collectible. Read the articles from Remezcla and the Corpus Christi Caller Times.
The list, released on Instagram and Twitter, includes Selena as part of a POP! Rocks series that also includes two Britney Spears figures, Aaliyah, and one of Bret Michaels. By Selena’s name, the descriptor simply says: “Burgundy Outfit,” which most likely refers to the deep purple glittery halter pantsuit that Selena performed in for her February 1995 Houston Live Stock Show & Rodeo concert at the Astrodome.
In 2018, Funkoboss, an independent Funko Pop! collector who customizes Pop! figures, designed his own version of a Selena toy, which had his followers clamoring about where to purchase their own.
Keep checking back for more on Selena and Funko’s future plans as Tejano Nation will update with the latest information as soon as it becomes available.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Cheslea Chavez | Courtesy photo
Chelsea Chavez is the next generation of a New Mexico musical family and the award-winning singer covers “Abrazame” for the latest single from her upcoming second album.
“Abrazame” is a song originally recorded by Patsy Torres in 1987. The song is actually an apology for hurting the person who loves you, and the lyrics talk about asking for a second chance.
“My dad chose this song. He chooses most of the songs I record because he knows this music industry very well and knows what kind of songs the people like to hear, so I trust him to make the song choices for me,” Chelsea tells nmuniverso.com. “He’ll find songs he thinks would fit me well musically or lyrically and send them to me for final approval. I really liked the feel of this song, it sounded catchy and pretty so that’s why I agreed to record this one.”
Chavez is the daughter of Steve Chavez, an award-winning New Mexico recording artist who began his career in the 1970s and started his own recording studio 20 years ago.
Chelsea continues the family tradition of music.
“I started singing basically when I started talking” she says. “My dad was always singing to us and playing the guitar or piano for us, so I’ve just always been surrounded by music. My parents realized my dad’s musical gift had been passed down to my brother and I when they heard us singing in the car to the radio or our CD players when we were young children.”
Chelsea began to appear on some of her father’s albums performing background vocals. She eventually recorded a solo song, “Si Quieres Verme Llorar,” for an album her father was producing an it was well received eventually earning a 2015 New Mexico Hispano Music Award for Chelsea as Female Vocalist of the Year and Rising Star of the Year.
“It was so surprising and exciting, and that’s what really sparked my interest in making my own music in this industry,” said Chelsea.
Like many female singers in the Latin music industry, Chelsea is influenced by late bicultural icon Selena.
“I think every girl in this industry is inspired by her, how can we NOT be? She’s legendary, she was the pioneer for all of us women in the Latin music industry,” said Chelsea. “I’m also inspired by my dad of course since he was the one who got me started in all this! I grew up watching him in his career and being influenced and inspired by him since I was a little girl.”
There are other Latina artists that inspire her as well, including Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and Becky G, to artists I know personally like Jenna Martinez, Sorela, the Sparx, and the late, great Ernestine Romero, to name just a few.
“I fully recognize that all of these powerful, charismatic women who came before me paved the way for me to do what I love and have my own music career here,” said Chelsea.
“Abrazame” was recorded at Chavez Recording Studio in Española, an award-winning studio which has been owned and operated for 20 years by her father.
‘The song is actually being received pretty well so far, I feel very blessed,” she said.
Chelsea plans to release her sophomore album before the end of the year or early 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has been an added challenge for her in finishing up the album. “I’m about four songs into it now and excitedly moving forward as fast as I can,” she said. “My long term goals for my music career include making more albums, maybe even writing my own original songs, and hopefully being able to spread my music to a wider audience. The more people I can make smile with my music the better!”
The visual, produced by Ryan Bazan, features a fun vibe that equals the song’s upbeat pace and cheerful entrancing sound.
“This video is one of the funnest videos we’ve done thus far,” Anjelique tells Tejano Nation. “What I really liked about it is that it captured the fun-spirited nature that we have in the band.”
The video was filmed at the Pop Art Museum in historic downtown San Angelo, Texas, and visitors of the museum make cameos in the video. “It’s not only capturing us having fun but some spontaneous people who showed up and wanted to be in the music video,” added Anjelique. “It was really super fun. I love that we were able to do it in San Angelo. It was very bright colored to go with the fun, hip, excited kind of song.”
“En Trance” was composed and produced by Isak A, son of Anjelique, and a member of the band since the age of 14. This is the second collaboration for the duo after the song “Groove.” Anjelique wrote the latest single that showcases a sound from the pair’s respective styles and offers a window into their creativity.
“What I like about what he’s doing for Tejano is he’s giving it a little bit of a different spin,” Anjelique says about her 20-year-old son. “He’s young, so he represents the young culture, the younger generation of maybe what they want to hear in Tejano. I’m all about keeping Tejano original and Tejano will always be original but sometimes we need to be open to a new sound or newer flavor but still stick with those Tejano roots.”
“En Trance” is the latest release from the two-time Tejano Music Awards winner’s upcoming fourth album scheduled to be released before the end of 2020.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.David Farias | Photo: David Ramirez Photography
David Farias and band members were involved in a tour van accident early Sunday morning after their performance in Dallas, Texas.
According to a social media post early Sunday by Rudy Lopez, San Antonio venue owner and concert promoter, David Farias and members of his band are safe.
“Prayers for David Farias & the band..after leaving their performance tonight out in Dallas, they were hit on their way back home,” read the post. “Gracefully as of right now they are all safe but unfortunately the van has severe damage.”
Family members were en route to pick up the band after the accident, the post added.
David Farias and his band performed at Club Rio in Dallas and were involved in the tour van accident on their way home to San Antonio. The band performed at Lopez’s Southside Expo Hall in San Antonio on Friday night.
This is a developing story, the extent of any injuries is not known at this time but Tejano Nation will have more details as information becomes available.
Veteran Tejano musician Chris “Cage” Gonzalez is slowly recovering from long term injuries suffered in a serious auto accident on Oct. 2.
The guitarist, who has performed with Grupo Stampede and DFW badboyz Grupo Sueño, is currently recovering at home after being discharged from the hospital, according to a GoFundMe page set up to help the musician pay for costly medical expenses and medical equipment needed for recovery.
“He had just started a new job after being laid off due to the COVID pandemic,” said the GoFundMe page. “He was so happy to finally be working again after being without a job for 6 months.”
The accident occurred a month shy of his insurance becoming effective, according to the GoFundMe page.
“He’s needing a home ventilator to assist him with his recovery,” added the GoFundMe page. “The hospital sent him home since he has no insurance. Even though he’s still considered critical due to his pulmonary condition. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.”
To donate and help with medical costs and medical equipment for Gonzalez visit the fundraiser page at GoFundMe.com.
CBS will celebrate the culture and contributions of Latinx Americans with a one-hour special Essential Heroes: A Momento Latino Event on Monday, Oct. 26, at 9:00 pm ET/PT.
The one-hour special will celebrate America’s diversity with a focus on Latinx culture, bringing joy, awareness, and aid to the Latinx community that has been deeply impacted by and played an essential role in fighting COVID-19.
Essential Heroes will be hosted by Eva Longoria, Ricky Martin and Gloria Estefan with special performances by Pitbull, Luis Fonsi, Kelsea Ballerini and more.
“When COVID-19 hit the United States, people were quick to applaud our essential workers, many of whom are Latinos, for helping to keep food on our tables, delivering our packages and working in our healthcare system,” said Longoria. “The Latinx community has been the backbone of this country for hundreds of years, not just the last seven months, and it’s time that we not only know our own worth, but are also recognized, appreciated and celebrated accordingly for our contributions, pandemic or not.”
Through musical performances, comedy pieces, docu-shorts and star-studded appearances, the special will explore the Latinx experience as told by Latinx voices. Performers and participants will be announced closer to air.
“We created Momento Latino because we understand the challenges that Latinos in America face every day, and we knew we had to bring together a national infrastructure of opportunity to move the community forward into the future,” said Henry R. Muñoz III, founder of Momento Latino. “We’ve brought together more than 130 organizations, nonprofits, artists, activists, and community leaders so far, and through this special, we can share with the nation the inspiring stories of how Latinos served as the backbone of this country’s essential workforce throughout the pandemic despite being among the hardest hit by the disease and the economic fallout.”
Essential Heroes is produced by Funny Or Die, Momento Latino, Longoria’s UnbeliEVAble Entertainment, and Global Philanthropy, and can be viewed on CBS and CBS All Access.
Bobby Pulido will celebrate the 25th anniversary of his music career with a live virtual concert from Mexico City and fans can enjoy it in the front row from the comfort of home.
The concert will be Pulido’s return to the stage with his full band for the first time since before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and fans will be able to help choose a part of the setlist by voting for songs at the singer’s official Facebook page.
“We’re going to do the hits but there’s also a lot of stuff like cover songs and stuff like that we’re allowing the people to vote to see what they want to hear,” Pulido tells Tejano Nation. “We’re going to basically do, whoever wins with the vote that’s what we’re going to do.”
Pulido began his career with a duet with his father, Tejano music legend Roberto Pulido. The song, “Contigo,” led Bobby away from his college studies as a lawyer.
“I always liked music,” said Bobby. “I always liked to sing but it was never something that I held my hopes for having to be a singer. I always wanted to do something else.”
The 47-year-old singer debuted on the music scene in 1995 released his debut album, Desvelado. The album peaked at number nine on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart and at number three on the Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), for shipments of 100,000 units. The title track launched Pulido as a popular Tejano artist recording many hit songs from more than a dozen successful albums over his 25-year career.
“It’s been a ride,” he added. “There’s been highs and there’s been lows, like life. There’s been more highs than lows that’s for sure but it’s always a rollercoaster. It’s been a learning experience and it’s nice to say I’ve been here that long. I’d never thought I would do that.”
Pulido will also debut his new song “Llórame” during the performance that will take place in a studio from the capital of Mexico. In addition to watching the concert, fans can connect via ZOOM to interact during the event.
The live virtual concert takes place on Friday, Oct. 30, via eConcerts streaming platform at 9 p.m. CT. Tickets for this pay-per-view event can be purchased at eConcerts.tv.
The one-hour special will celebrate Latinx culture and the Latinx community that has been deeply impacted by and played an essential role in fighting COVID-19.
Netflix released the official trailer for the highly-anticipated series about late bicultural icon Selena on Monday.
The trailer for Selena: The Series features former Walking Dead actress Christian Serratos portraying Selena with scenes from the first installment of the two-part series set to debut on Dec. 4. The trailer also gives a look at nine-year-old rising star Madison Taylor Baez as a young Selena in the biographical drama.
The trailer was shared by the Selena official Facebook page on Monday with the caption, “Before she became the Queen of Tejano Music, Selena Quintanilla was a young girl from Texas with big dreams and an even bigger voice. Selena: The Series explores her journey from singing small gigs to becoming the most successful female Latin artist of all time — and the years of hard work and sacrifice the Quintanilla family navigated together.”
Selena: The Series is a coming-of-age story following Selena 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 Quintanillasaid 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.”
The one-hour special will celebrate Latinx culture and the Latinx community that has been deeply impacted by and played an essential role in fighting COVID-19.
Los Chamacos returned to the stage this month for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Grammy-nominated group shared details about their upcoming album, a new single, and much more in an exclusive interview with Tejano Nation.
Los Chamacos give thanks and praise as they share their thoughts and talk new music along with the official announcement of their long-awaited new album.
“The album is not completed yet,” said Roel Joslin, bajo sexto player of Los Chamacos for 27 years. “We’ve just been throwing out singles…and this next one is ‘Besos Y Copas’. We’ve got a couple more in the vault that we’re going to be letting go as single and we’ll put some other songs to actually finish the CD, which will be out next year, the album will be called Chamacos For Life.”
Los Chamacos member Gilbert Fierros, a Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame musician inducted last year, shared more on the title of the highly-anticipated new album. “It is a strong title, it means a lot to us and it took all of us to come up with something like that because it means something to us,” he said. “All the stuff we’ve gone through — what you see right here, this is loyalty. What you see right here is something that was built, not overnight, it was built for years.”
Los Chamacos have entertained Tejano fans for almost 40 years as the premier showband and this album will be the first since the breakup with former frontman Jaime DeAnda in December 2018.
“The name goes way beyond us,” added Joslin as he mentioned former members of the legendary band including David DeAnda, Ruben DeAnda, Juan P. Moreno, and Johnny Lee Rosas. “People know us as Chamacos, Chamacos for life.”
Selena fans make some space in your collection to add more Selena collectibles. After a leaked list surfaced online last week by Funko fanatics that the late bicultural icon would be part of the 2021 Funko Pop! lineup, the company confirmed the news on Tuesday.
“We are honored to be able to confirm that Funko is celebrating the life and legacy of Selena through our Pop! products. This historic line pays homage to this month’s Billboard’s Greatest of All Time Female Latin Artist and is a tangible way for her millions of global fans to display their affinity for Selena,” Funko said in a statement.
The company that creates unique pop culture collectibles didn’t give details on the design of the figures or when the line would be released.
Funko is partnering with Selena’s family for the collectibles and Selena’s sister, Suzette Quintanilla, said, “I am excited to partner with Funko on the upcoming release celebrating Selena’s ongoing legacy. The Funko Pop! products line honors some of the most influential musicians and I am humbled to have Selena be part of this historic line showcasing her place in pop culture.”
Look for the Selena Funko Pop! figures in 2021. Follow @OriginalFunko on social media for the latest details.
Legendary band La Sombra is one of the most influential bands in Tejano music and the “Windy City Boys” have received a tribute from Miguel Hernandez.
The singer, songwriter, producer, and musician released “Homenaje (A Tribute to La Sombra)”, a medley of four memorable hits from the band, including “Prieta”, “Mañana”, “A Poco No,” and “Mi Guerita Coca-Cola”.
“This is an idea I’ve had for a while and it finally came to light,” Hernandez tells Tejano Nation. “La Sombra was a big influence in me starting my Tejano career. There are some great songs, great performances, great arrangements and I didn’t want to touch any of the arrangements at all I just wanted to record them as is and do what I set out to do and that was to pay tribute, to pay homage to La Sombra. Just thank them for influencing me at such a young age.”
This medley of songs although nostalgic does have a current and classic vibe with some new nuances thrown in. “Homenaje” will take you back, get you moving and singing in your seat while appreciating the reproduction of these classics. The medley features top-notch Tejano musicians including Rey Talamantez on trumpet and saxophone, accordionist Percy Cardona, drummer Aaron Holler, and Hernandez showcased his musical talents on bass, bajo quinto, guitar, keyboards, and of course vocals.
La Sombra was founded by brothers, Tony and Gavino Guerrero. Originally from the Chicago suburb of Aurora, Illinois, the group gained national acclaim and success after moving to Corpus Christi, Texas, releasing over twenty full-length studio albums featuring songs in both Spanish and English.
La Sombra has been credited with influencing the Tejano and cumbia music fields in terms of musical style, dress, and concert performances as well as a generation of newer artists.
George Mercado was raised on Tejano music, but like most young kids it wasn’t his primary choice for his favorite music genre.
“The thing about Tejano music, I always heard it growing up,” Mercado says. “My dad always had it playing in the background, and whenever he was barbecuing, we’d be outside playing as kids and he’d have it blaring. It would kind of embarrass me. I thought we all felt this way…But I will say I always respected it, too, because I always knew it was what he liked, and it was part of what defined him. That I did respect more than anything.”
If only the young George Mercado could see himself now, older on stage singing to Tejano music with the nickname “The Tex-Mex Cowboy.”
Mercado was born in San Marcos Texas, raised in Austin, Texas, and represents himself with his high Texan values, and musically inclined with Tejano and Country music to his core of Texas soul.
Still, it’s been a long journey from that childhood to becoming a Tejano and Country singer, first signed with Hacienda International Productions record label and now with Al Duarte Management; and Jina Ink as his publisher.
Mercado had a garage band with a cousin, and a friend in high school, playing what in hindsight he’d describe as indie rock. It was fun, but then life happened. Things ended quickly, and the music stopped.
Life moved on, with work, marriage, and a family not leaving much time to even think about playing music. Then the same cousin, who was his high school bandmate, introduced him to karaoke, what Mercado calls a life-altering experience. He didn’t even know what karaoke was but went to a karaoke bar to try it out.
“I was nervous, but I sang one song and felt that electrifying energy come out, and that was the beginning of my wanting to sing more,” he says.
He noticed how his voice had changed, his range had grown wider. Before that, he didn’t know how much he was missing singing music. Singing in front of people and receiving applause, it gave him a high he’d never experienced.
He then wanted to achieve his dream, a life filled with family and music. “But with a wife and kids at home?” he says. He needed prayer and answers.
Shortly after at church praying for direction, Mercado decided to join the church choir. As it turned out, the choir director was a co-worker at the University of Texas, whom Mercado had worked with but never met in person.
“I had doubts about joining, but that made it easier for me to say yes,” he says.
That experience opened up more doors for him. It built his confidence and helped him better understand the emotional connection with the music itself, whether it’s Christian, Tejano, or Country music, either genre his voice is angelic with a melodic flow that captivates you.
Getting signed to a record label and releasing his first single, a self-penned bilingual song with a strong Tex-Mex flavor titled “Honey, Pardon Me,” feels like a huge accomplishment for Mercado. A second song, a cumbia, is finished and awaiting release. But Mercado is realistic about his expectations for his music career. He just didn’t expect it to be so rewarding.
“When people find out I do music, they sometimes ask if I’m going to do it full time and quit UT,” he says. “But it doesn’t work like that. You have to get lucky, know the right people, be at the right place at the right time. You never know. It could happen, but, honestly, I love working at the university.
I love the atmosphere. I love that my supervisor and department are supportive. I want to retire from here. I’d still be young enough to be able to do what I love and do music full time.”
Mercado is always on top of the game putting his priorities first. He has been with Jina Ink Publications for two years now and the working partnership has been rewarding on both sides and a lot of respect is part of our projects. We put effort, hard work dedication but most of all God in all we do. God is the force that fuels our energy with a positive team! We all believe that.
George Mercado will come out with a new song for Veteran’s Day and we are so excited to be celebrating this with the public. So stay connected with us, sign up for our newsletter, or follow all the social networks at http://www.georgemercado.net.
LOS ANGELES, CA – Acclaimed content producer INGEÑUITY announces Little Joe’s 80th Birthday Bash on Thursday, October 29, as the finale virtual OndaLive! Chicano Music + Culture Fest sponsored by AARP.
Respectfully, known as the “King of the Brown Sound,” Little Joe has been a trailblazer in Tex-Mex or Chicano music with a career that spans more than 60 years. His virtual birthday celebration is hosted by comedy icon Paul Rodriguez and features an exclusive Little Joe live performance from a forthcoming DVD. Also included are testimonials from artist peers, former band members, and national and local leaders, including Dolores Huerta, President of the Dolores Huerta Foundation; Paul Chavez, Chairman & President of the Cesar Chavez Foundation; and San Antonio, Texas Mayor Ron Nirenberg. The birthday bash includes a zoom interview of Little Joe by EMMY Award-winning anchor Rudy Trevino.
The highlight of the web special is the uniting of 90 Tejano artists and musicians, which have rerecorded and will perform, the “Chicano national anthem” Little Joe’s “Las Nubes.” The song was originally recorded by Little Joe Y La Familia on the Para La Gente album, originally released on the Buena Suerte label in 1972, remastered on CBS Records in 1989. The new recording is being produced by former members of La Familia, John Ontiveros, and Mike Torres III of LA 45, as well as Ricky Ray Hernandez.
“Little Joe is synonymous with Chicano music,” said David Chavez, INGEÑUITY CEO and OndaLive! Creator. “We are honored to work with his family in galvanizing the Tejano industry behind a meaningful commemoration of his important milestone!”
OndaLive! is co-hosted by pop culture icon Cheech Marin and GRAMMY Award-winning Marisol “La Marisoul” Hernandez of La Santa Cecilia, andis sponsored by AARP, the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older.
The 3-day unprecedented fan gathering is scheduled for October 27-29, 2020, The festival begins at 8:00pm CST/PST/MST and 9:00pm ET – to watch free, register visit http://www.LaOndaLive.com.
For Fest updates stay connected by following official OndaLive! social media channels (@laOndaLive on twitter and Instagram, LaOnda Live on Facebook and YouTube).
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Participating accomplished and renowned musicians, by instrument, include:
Horn Sections:
LA 45: John Ontiveros Xavier Vidal Ricky Ray Hernandez Hector Ramirez Ryan Espitia Latin Breed: Charlie Rodriguez Danny Perez Frank Perez Steve Sanchez Avizo: Robert Dorantes Lonnie Lalanne Tory Treviño Rick Rios The Mexican Revolution: Rupert Pacheco Charles Reyna Juan Nañez
Accordion: Armando Lichtenberger, Jr.
Herbie Lopez David Lee Garza JR Gomez David Farias Eddie Perez Jr.
Josh Baca
Bajo Sexto: Max Baca Billy O’ Rourke Eddie Perez
Saxes: Gibby Escobedo Fabian Hernandez Manuel Castañeda Cleto Escobedo Jr Cleto Escobedo III
Trombone: Rene Garcia Francisco Torres
Percussion: Poncho Sanchez
Drums: Will O’Rourke Aaron Holler Cristina Hinojosa Mel Sanchez Chris Rivera Richard Solis Chente Barrera Lalo Reyna Adam Garza
Bass: Mike Torres III Steve Roth Stanley Revillas Rene Camacho Tony Banda Roy Paniagua
Guitar: Estevan Ramirez Juaquin Cura Roger Velasquez Steve Velasquez Gilbert Velasquez
Keyboards: Julian Carillo Gilbert Sedeño Rick Fuentes Steve RAT Silvas Henry Parrilla Mario Ortiz
David DeLa Garza Rolando Revilla Emanuel J
Strings: Campanas de America: Juan Ortiz Mariachi Azteca: Gino Rivera Eric Garcia Uriel Bibiano Las Alteñas: Valerie Vargas Sandra Gonzalez Classical Strings: Christina Trongone Ronald Villabona
The virtual birthday celebration will culminate with over 90 musicians and singers joining other with a world video premiere of an all-star performance of the classic hit ‘Las Nubes’!
Bobby Pulido is one of the most prolific artists in Tejano music and the 47-year-old singer and actor will celebrate the 25th anniversary of his music career during a live virtual concert from Mexico City on Friday, Oct. 30.
Pulido spoke about the event with Fierro HD morning hosts Bo Leo and Jonny Ramirez on Wednesday sharing details about how fans can pick the songs for him to perform, including English and cover songs. Fans can vote at Pulido’s official Facebook page.
The concert will be Pulido’s return to the stage with his full band for the first time since before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and he’s excited that musicians are slowly returning to do what they love…performing.
The “Desvelado” singer also spoke about his memories of performing on stage solo for the first time 25 years ago, his Tejano roots, his acting career, and much more.
Pulido will also debut his new song “Llórame” during the performance that will take place in a studio from the capital of Mexico. In addition to watching the concert, fans can connect via ZOOM to interact during the event.
The live virtual concert takes place on Friday, Oct. 30, via eConcerts streaming platform at 10 p.m. CT. Tickets for this pay-per-view event can be purchased at eConcerts.tv.
The beautiful Tejano newcomer Erika Renée was born in the magnificent Chihuahua, México but grew up in California, Arizona, and the great state of Texas. It was here she discovered a passion that brought her close to the dynamic melodies of Mexican music such as Banda, Cumbias, Norteño, and Mariachi.
After graduating from the prestigious University of Texas-San Antonio, her aspirations were encouraged towards a musical career. She began recording vocals with Adrian Vazquez in San Antonio, who is part of Audiophile Media Group. Various producers taught her much about her vocal abilities. Surprisingly they were open to some of her creative and new ideas.
“Producer Adrian Vazquez taught me the importance of dynamics in music, and Eric Avalos pushes me to sing in higher keys,” Erika Renée tells TejanoNation.
She also gives credit to her team, which contributes to her rising success. “I give a lot of credit to my vocal coach Alisa Claridy. She taught me a lot about myself and my abilities,” she said. “Ilyssa Saenz is a great artist and my best friend. She coaches me and pushes me to my limits.”
What also helped her stay true to her roots was when she attended the Tejano Music Awards, a memorable experience and surreal moment getting to see what it was like to be surrounded by so many talented artists and musicians that were of the same culture. It was then that she knew she could envision herself on stage performing with the gift she had within her all along. This moment is what continues to impact her and keep her focused in the right direction.
Recently, the singer, songwriter, and independent artist of her label ErikaRodRecords has been busy working dedicatedly in the studio on her upcoming debut album expected for release in January 2021. She also just released her third single, “La Número Seis.”
“La Número Seis” starts with Erika’s rhythmical and assertive vocals and tells the story of disappointment and heartbreak in a relationship.
The woman begins to have suspicions about her lover from what she’s heard from others. The woman finally realizes her worth and is fed up with the lies and mind games. It is a song that encourages women to be independent and intolerant to any infidelity. It is also a bold statement for women to stand up and be unafraid to speak their minds and truths.
“This song is meant to be a female-empowering song,” Erika Renée said. “A voice and motivation for the many women who are afraid to speak out or leave their current dating & relationship situation.”
“Most songs are about a man cheating on a female with one single woman,” she added. “I thought I would add a little more drama to it by increasing the number of women to seis!”
Erika Renée is an artist not afraid of diversity and has proven to take her music to the next level by showcasing another exceptional song.
It is amazing to see Erika Renée has taken a new twist in her music style and diverse song choices and still manages to reach new listeners throughout various Tejano online radio stations worldwide.
“I am very excited about my debut album,” she said. “I feel that I can be as creative as I want by writing my own lyrics! Once the album is released I am hoping to reach different audiences, as well, and give them a glimpse of the history of my musical culture through my music.”
For fans, continue following her and expect to see more of her. She may just surprise you with more of her astounding vocals and incredible talent!
The virtual birthday celebration will culminate with over 90 musicians and singers joining other with a world video premiere of an all-star performance of the classic hit ‘Las Nubes’!
Marcus Daniels dropped the video teaser for the official music video for his new single “Dime Amor” featuring Zavala.
The teaser showcases an action-packed visual for the cumbia produced by Zavala that was also directed by the award-winning producer and filmed by Ryan Bazan.
No official release date for the full video, but it will premiere when the single drops at all digital music platforms and the crooner will release his new album before the end of November.
The virtual birthday celebration will culminate with over 90 musicians and singers joining other with a world video premiere of an all-star performance of the classic hit ‘Las Nubes’!
The 40th annual Tejano Music Awards will be a live-streamed virtual event on Saturday, December 19 due to concerns over COVID-19.
The biggest night in Tejano music will be streamed live exclusively via the official radio station Fierro HD and Radio.com platform featuring classic performances from the past 39 years as well as handing out accolades to the best of 2019 during the scheduled two-hour live stream.
The Tejano Music Awards is the longest-running awards show for the Tejano music genre. Categories include Song of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year for Tejano and Conjunto, Collaboration/Duo of the Year and Best New Artist for Male, Female, and Group.
Due to technical difficulties with the Tejano Music Awards website during the nomination process this summer, the deadline to submit nominations was extended to August 21, 2020. Another technical glitch caused some Tejano Music Awards 2020 nomination registration forms submitted between August 1 – 19, 2020 to go missing and the deadline to reconfirm those submissions was given until October 18, 2020.
Industry and public voting will be held over the next six weeks to determine the Top 5 nominees and winners for the 40th Tejano Music Awards.
