Conjunto Cats are one of the bands scheduled for 2017 Rancho Alegre Conjunto Festival in Austin, Texas on May 7. (Photo: LV Photography)

AUSTIN, Texas — For the first time in recent memory, Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater will host Conjunto music on its legendary stage, courtesy of Austin-based nonprofit organization Rancho Alegre Radio. After a two-year hiatus, Rancho Alegre Radio is bringing back the Rancho Alegre Conjunto Festival, this time in the heart of Austin’s Red River Cultural District. The festival is roaring back and jumping back onto the Austin music scene this year with a free, family-friendly event featuring an audacious lineup of over two dozen performers from all over Texas on two stages at Stubb’s on Friday May 5th and Sunday May 7th.

Rancho Alegre Radio Executive Director Baldomero “Frank” Cuellar says Stubb’s is the perfect venue for the festival, given its legendary status in Austin music history and national accolades.

“Stubb’s has always had the best acts from all kinds of genres, and for us to have the opportunity to bring our beloved Conjunto, a traditional Texas music, to a world class, world-famous venue that has hosted everyone from James Brown to Joe Ely to the Fabulous Thunderbirds to Muddy Waters to Metallica and quite literally everyone in between, is an incredible honor.”

The Rancho Alegre Conjunto Festival began in 2012 and spent three years at the Austin Moose Lodge in East Austin. The festival attracted Conjunto fans from all over Texas and presented over 40 different groups in just three years, becoming known among artists and fans for giving new groups a chance when the larger festivals tend to prefer established artists. Feeling the need to expand, the festival explored larger venues, but had difficulty finding one large enough to accommodate the new vision and growing demand before finding Stubb’s.

“It’s not an exaggeration to say that we’re breaking barriers by presenting this music at this venue,” Cuellar added. “It’s also the first time Conjunto music has been presented on this scale in downtown Austin and we’re looking forward to bringing our music and our culture to Stubb’s and sharing it with everyone who loves accordions, dancing, and great Texas music.”

The scheduled lineup of two dozen Conjunto artists included Nick Villarreal, Chano Cadena y Su Conjunto, and recent National Medal of Arts recipient Santiago Jimenez Jr.; veterans like Los Enmascarados, Gilberto “Chore” Perez Jr., and Grammy Award winners Los Texmaniacs; up and coming groups like Mark Weber y Los Cuernos, Conjunto Cats, and Roger Arocha y Su Conjunto; and local favorites like Los Texas Wranglers and Chencho Flores y Su Conjunto, among others. The lineup also includes special Tejano guest, Grammy Award winner Augustin Ramirez, as well as Conjunto Halcon from Los Fresnos High School in Brownsville. The complete lineup is listed on Rancho Alegre Radio’s website: http://www.ranchoalegreradio.org/festival/lineup.

The festival begins on Friday, May 5th, with doors open at 4 p.m. and music beginning shortly afterwards. Similarly, doors will open at 2 p.m. with music beginning shortly afterwards on Sunday, May 7th.

Stubb’s is located at 801 Red River Street, at the corner of 8th and Red River Streets in downtown Austin. All ages are welcome and admission is free. For more about the festival, including up-to-date lineup, information about sponsorship, vending opportunities and other ways to support the event, visit http://www.ranchalegreradio.org/festival, or follow the Rancho Alegre Conjunto Festival on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The Rancho Alegre Conjunto Festival is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department, the Texas Commission on the Arts, Texas Folklife, Compadresmusic and Hacienda Records.

Tejano newcomer Vee Gonzalez premiered her debut single “Escuchame” on Tejano Nation Radio on Monday (Apr 17).

The singer from Weslaco told TNR host Romeo about her jump into the Tejano music scene, her musical influences and her upcoming debut album due out this summer.

LISTEN: Vee Gonzales on Tejano Nation Radio

https://audioboom.com/posts/5827910-vee-gonzalez-premieres-her-debut-single-escuchame-more-on-tejano-nation-radio

Anjelique shared behind the scenes footage of the video shoot for her hit single “La Otra” via social media on Saturday (Apr 15).

The singer, who was a Tejano Music Awards nominee for Best New Female Artist in 2015, filmed the music video with her Sweet City Band at the Municipal Auditorium in Sweetwater, Texas, with videographer Ryan Bazan behind the camera.

RELATED: Anjelique debuts new music, talks working with Shelly Lares on Tejano Nation Radio [PODCAST]

“It’s been a long time waiting, but we’re really excited to finally be shooting it and I hope you guys enjoy it,” Angelique said in one of the posted videos. “It’s one of my favorite songs to this date and it’s a nice little love ballad.”

“La Otra” was co-written by Anjelique and Elias Barrera. It was produced by Shelly Lares and recorded at San Antonio’s Slack Monster Studios with Severo “Sevy” Contreras of Texas Latino behind the board.

RELATED: Anjelique releases Shelly Lares produced track, ‘La Otra’ [AUDIO]

No word on the release date of “La Otra” video, but Tejano Nation will have it for you as soon as it’s released.

Siggno

Siggno shared a video of the band playing an unplugged version of their newest single “Mentir Para Vivir” via Facebook on Saturday (Apr 15).

RELATED: Siggno releases official video for ‘Mentir Para Vivir’ [VIDEO]

It looks like the guys took some down time on their newly upgraded tour bus before a show and surprised fans with a beautiful acoustic version of the latest single released from their Yo Te Esperaré album.

RELATED: Siggno Tour Bus Gets Upgrade From Texas Chrome Shop [VIDEO]

Siggno have also been spending time in the studio working on new music for their next album, according to the band’s official Facebook page.

WATCH: “Mentir Para Vivir” Unplugged

VMB Music Group

Tejano music veteran David Farias has released “Yo Se Que Tu,” his newest single from his latest album Volando Alto.

RELATED: Gabriel Zavala drops ‘Terco Corazón’ collaboration with David Farias [AUDIO]

After the success of his previous single “En Dónde Están”, VMB Music Group announced the latest release from the Grammy winner via their official Facebook page on April 14.

“VMB Music Group is proud to present to you the latest single from David Farias,” the record label posted on Facebook. “This catchy melody will have you dancing and singing along to the unique style that only David Farias can deliver.”

“Yo Se Que Tu” and the album, Volando Alto, are available now at all digital music platforms and VMBMusicGroup.com.

LISTEN: “Yo Se Que Tu” — David Farias

YouTube | AnjeliqueMusic

Anjelique and The Sweet City Band premiered the official music video for their latest hit single, “La Otra,” at midnight last night (April 19).

RELATED: Anjelique debuts new music, talks working with Shelly Lares on Tejano Nation Radio [PODCAST]

Earlier this week Anjelique shared behind the scenes footage of the music video shoot at the Municipal Auditorium in the singer’s hometown of Sweetwater, Texas.

The visual for “La Otra” was filmed by top notch videographer Ryan Bazan and features Anjelique performing on stage with The Sweet City Band while we watch the story of “La Otra.”

The track was co-written by Anjelique and Elias Barrera. It was produced by Shelly Lares and recorded at San Antonio’s Slack Monster Studios with Severo “Sevy” Contreras of Texas Latino behind the board.

WATCH: “La Otra” — Anjelique

Jimmy Gonzalez Y Grupo Mazz are working on their new album and the Grammy winner gave fans an update via social media on the upcoming disc.

Gonzalez shared a video via his official Facebook page on Tuesday while showing off his new Superman and Batman caps during a break from recording at the famed Freddie Records Legends Sound Studios in Corpus Christi, Texas.

“We’re here in the studio in Corpus Christi at Freddie’s studio and we are finishing our CD and man, it’s coming great, you guys are going to love it like you love all my other CDs,” Gonzalez says in the video. “But, this one has something special, it’s coming out good, we’re getting a good recording, good songs, good everything, good vibe.”

The upcoming album is the follow up to the hit album Que Cante El Mundo, released last year during Memorial Day weekend. The previous album featured the hit singles “Agua De Papaya”, “Ella No Sabe” and “Jimmy’s And Jay’s Mazz Medley.”

No word on a release date on the new album from Jimmy Gonzalez Y Grupo Mazz, but Tejano Nation will have the details as soon as it is released.

WATCH: Jimmy Gonzalez gives update on upcoming album

Severo Y Grupo Fuego perform at Pepsi Center in Denver on March 8, 2017. (YouTube)

DENVER, Colorado —  Severo Martinez Y Grupo Fuego takes fans behind the scenes of their halftime performance for the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on March 8.

The Latin band based out of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was scouted and given the opportunity to perform for an NBA basketball game on March 8th, 2017. “Latin Night Noche Ene-Be-A,” is an annual promotional night for the Denver Nuggets as they promote and celebrate the Latino Community.

Severo y Grupo Fuego was scouted by Lisa Johnson, Vice President of Basketball Administration for the Denver Nuggets on a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico.

“I know good music and when I heard this band, I knew we had to bring them to Denver,” said Johnson. “Their high energy on stage is infectious and gets you motivated.”

The game on March 8, 2017, featured the Denver Nuggets and the Washington Wizards with over 14,000 in attendance for the halftime performance.

“It was an honor to represent New Mexico on a national level and a huge opportunity to be able to perform at the Pepsi Center,” said Severo Martinez, lead vocalist of Severo Y Grupo Fuego. “Most importantly, we were able to promote our culture and musical traditions outside of our state.”

“We are in talks with other NBA teams as well for future events and think this event opened up some doors for us,” said Patrick Rubi, manager of Severo y Grupo Fuego.

The fusion of Mexican and Puerto Rican upbringings are what fuels the band’s music into a mix of New Mexico traditional music, Tejano, and Conjunto/Norteño. They have been named as one of the top five bands in the state of New Mexico, compared with Al Hurricane, Darren Cordova, 45, and Perfeccion. Named song writers of the year by the NMHMA and referred to as “standout artists” by newspapers in Denver and New Mexico, Severo y Grupo Fuego has become a sought after group in the Southwest.

A behind the scenes documentary and music video showcasing this performance can be found at: https://youtu.be/kEfzIBIusBc

For more information and video footage, please contact Patrick Rubi at: (505)933-2309. To read more on Severo y Grupo Fuego, visit www.severoygrupofuego.com.

WATCH: Severo Y Grup Fuego at Denver Nuggets halftime show

Eligio Salinas Jr. / Facebook @SolidoNation

Solido accordionist Eligio Salinas Jr gave an update on this health after receiving brain cancer surgery last month.

RELATED: Solido’s Eligio Salinas Jr. diagnosed with brain tumors

The musician stopped by Tejano Nation radio affiliate KSAB 99.9 FM in Corpus Christi with Solido for a radio interview on Thursday (April 20) and Salinas told fans about his recent health experience, just one month after undergoing a 10 hour operation to remove a brain tumor on March 6.

“Primero que todo gracias a Dios, he guided me through the road, it’s been the longest four months of my life,” Salinas told KSAB. “I want to thank the people too, tambien, everybody sent me out prayers…I’m feeling good. Ya no tengo pain, ya no tengo nada, I don’t feel nothing. Except for the scar on my head, I feel good.”

The Grammy winning musician was diagnosed with brain cancer after suffering a seizure at his home back in January.

RELATED: Solido releases ‘Bailamos’ from latest album [AUDIO]

Solido just wrapped up filming the official music video for their latest single “Bailamos” from their album No Me Vuelvas A Besar Asi, released in November.

Tejano Idol winner Monica Saldivar premiered her sophomore single “Para Olvidarte” with Tejano Nation Radio on Friday (April 21).

After the success of her debut single “Este Dolor,” the 22-year-old singer returns with the same formula for her second single , a mid-tempo cumbia written by Grammy nominated songwriter Juan Treviño and produced by four-time Grammy winning producer Mario Ortiz.

“It talks about a break up gone wrong, gone terribly wrong, it seems like all my songs are like that,” Saldivar told Tejano Nation Radio. “But, coming out of the relationship and finding, or going to find a new love and to find a new love, I basically have to forget the person that broke my heart.”

“Para Olvidarte” is the second single planned for the upcoming debut album from the 2015 Tejano Idol winner.

Saldivar, who plans to graduate from Dallas Baptist University in May, is excited about performing her latest single in front of her hometown fans at the Main Street Festival on April 23 in Grand Prairie, Texas. She will also perform the national anthem before the Texas Rangers game at Globe Life Park in Arlington on April 26.

“Para Olivdarte” is available now at all online digital platforms and stay up to date with the talented singer at her official Facebook page, @MonicaSaldivarMusic.

LISTEN: Monica Saldivar premieres ‘Para Olvidarte’ on Tejano Nation Radio

YouTube / FreddieRecordsTV

Lucky Joe debuted the official video for his latest single “Te Amo Te Amo” on Friday (April 21).

The powerful visual for the song features a girl that feels alone, but finds out there are always people who care for her.

“Te Amo Te Amo,” written by Juan Trevino, is the third release from Lucky Joe’s album El Triunfador, released in December.  The 12-song disc includes “De Qué Me Sirves Ya.” the hit single featuring Johnny Lee Rosas of Masizzo, and the lead single “Pierdete,” a Spanish cover of the 2015 hit “Love Yourself” from pop star Justin Beiber.

WATCH: “Te Amo Te Amo” — Lucky Joe

Tejano music heats up the airwaves of Amarillo with the launch of Viva Media‘s new Blazin 105.1, Amarillo’s Tejano and more.

The station launched on Thursday (April 22) at 5:00 p.m. under the watchful eye of 17 year radio veteran and top-rated Amarillo radio personality “The Radio Ninja” Tommy The Hacker.

“Amarillo has been missing Tejano music on the radio and now we have it on FM,” said Tommy. “Tejano listeners are very passionate and dedicated to the Tejano music.”

Blazin 105.1 is a patterned after Q99.5 in San Angelo and boasts the biggest Tejano and Cumbia hits, with a little bit of Country and Old School jams spiked into the station’s music programming.

Amarillo’s newest radio station will feature live and local programming, along with syndicated programs, including Tejano Nation Radio and Dallas Cowboys En Español radio broadcasts during football season.

“Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m., Tejano Nation Radio With Romeo will take over the airwaves to get your party on,” Tommy said about the station’s shows. “Legendary Bert Zuniga and Karaoke Joe will host the Tejano Groove Show on Sundays from 2-6 p.m. We will soon add all-live DJ’s on-air to get your week movin’.”

Tommy The Hacker added The New Blazin 105.1 will also be involved with live events and bring some big concerts featuring the station’s core artists to the Amarillo area.

Learn more about the new Blazin’ 105.1 at their official Facebook page, @Blazin105Amarillo, and listen online here.

Midwest-based singer La Peligrosa is “Esa Mujer” with her latest single released on Monday (April 17).

The heart-pumping passionate ranchera, written by Joel Villarreal and Servero “Sevy” Contreras, has a different sound than La Peligrosa’s previous songs.

“It’s completely estilo Tejano,” La Peligrosa told Tejano Nation. “This song has very powerful lyrics about a woman who will not be disrespected and knows her worth…She is that woman a man should never cross.”

“Esa Mujer” was recorded at Slack Monster Studios in  San Antonio, Texas, two days after the 2016 Tejano Music Awards.

“Sevy extended an invitation to his studio,” La Peligrosa said. “When I arrived to the studio he played a track and said, ‘We wrote it for you based off your Facebook page’.  I loved it and wasn’t going home until recording this song! It was a long night but we were able to record the song before I flew out the following day.”

La Peligrosa will be in the studio this week working on new material. “Esa Mujer” is available now at all digital platforms.

LISTEN: “Esa Mujer” — La Peligrosa

Michael Salgado and Andres Salgado | Facebook @ElZurdoMichael

Michael Salgado and his son Andres Salgado talked about their upcoming projects and more with Tejano Nation.

Tejano Nation contributor Hector Rodriguez from TejanoConcerts.com met up with the Salgados during a recent concert at Herrera’s Tejano Night Club in Channelview, Texas, near Houston on April 8.

Michael Salgado mentioned he’s currently working on a new album, Otra Historias., which will feature new original material, including cumbias, rancheras and an upcoming country song, “Just Like A Woman.”

Andres Salgado talks about his latest single, “Ahora Soy Feliz,” and gives the latest detals on his upcoming projects.

WATCH: Michael and Andres Salgado Interview

Jessy Serrata | Facebook photo

Tejano music legend Jessy Serrata was taken to the emergency room at a Harlingen hospital on Monday (April 24).

The news was according to Facebook post by his wife Beatriz Serrata, “Emergency room bound. God forsee these illness that has taken control of my hubby and make him better.”

The 63-year-old singer was undergoing tests at the hospital on Monday afternoon, according to sources.

As the news spread across social media, Tejano music fans and artists began to post about Serrata, sending thoughts and prayers for his health.

Serrata, also known as “Mr. Iron Throat,” has appeared on over 17 albums and was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2004 for his album Better Than Ever.

No word yet on the latest condition for the music legend, but Tejano Nation will have the latest details as soon as they become available.

Follow Tejano Nation of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, @TejanoNation, for up to the minute Tejano music news.

Jerry Rodriguez (left) and Chente Barrera | Courtesy photos

San Antonio-based indie record label Baby Grand Records officially launched with the release of “Hasta El Fin Luchare” from recording artist and executive producer Jerry Rodriguez featuring Chente Barrera on lead vocals, and produced by Mario Ortiz.

Baby Grand Records was formed by Ortiz, whose work is well-known in the Tejano Music and Latin music community.  Most recently he produced the 2016 Latin Grammy nominated album, Un Amigo Tendras from Tejano superstar Jay Perez, and also his string arrangement work on “Hoy Me Toca Perder” from La Energia Norteña.

“Baby Grand Records has been a project that I’ve developing for a short while now and I’m blessed that we can launch our first promotional single from Jerry Rodriguez with my good friend Chente Barrera on vocals,” said Ortiz from his recording studio in San Antonio, Texas.

“‘Hasta El Fin Luchare’ is a Tejano keyboard and sax driven track that Tejano fans will enjoy with a short twist,” commented Rodriguez. “This track is actually a Spanish Christian song that will really catch audiences by surprise.  It has a great message and something that the Tejano music listener will enjoy from beginning to end, plus with Chente’s powerhouse vocals which truly adds the icing on the cake.”

“Hasta el Fin Luchare” is part of full album release titled, Cerca De Ti…Mi Herencia Apostolica with various guest artists and is expected to be released in late March of 2017.

“Expect more surprises and great tracks from different artists this year from Baby Grand Records,” stated Ortiz.

LISTEN: “Hasta el Fin Lucare” — Jerry Rodriguez featuring Chente Barrera

2015 Tejano Idol winner Monica Saldivar debuted her second single, “Para Olvidarte,” and much more during an interview with Tejano Nation Radio on April 25.

The 22-year-old singer from Grand Prairie, Texas, told Tejano Nation Radio host Romeo about her musical influences, winning Tejano Idol 2015 and plans for a debut album.

LISTEN: Monica Saldivar on Tejano Nation Radio

Jessy Serrata | Facebook

Tejano music legend Jessy Serrata, who was taken to a Harlingen hospital earlier this week, has been diagnosed with cancer.

The 63-year-old was admitted into the hospital on April 24, where tests confirmed that Serrata has stage 3 kidney cancer, according to sources.

The singer will be transferred to a cancer treatment center in Houston, where he will undergo surgery and treatment to fight the cancer.

Serrata, also known as “Mr. Iron Throat,” has appeared on over 17 albums and was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2004 for his album Better Than Ever.

Follow Tejano Nation of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, @TejanoNation, for up to the minute Tejano music news.

Stefani Montiel at 2016 Tejano Music Awards in San Antonio, Texas | Photo: Evelyn Vasquez / EV Imagez

The nomination ballots for the 37th annual Tejano Music Awards are now available for authorized representatives to nominate their respective artists for the longest running awards show in Tejano music.

“The registration has begun today,” Tejano Music Awards representative Bino Gaona said during an interview with BNet Radio on Wednesday. “The deadline is on the criteria, so make sure to read everything. This way there is no mistake and the bands get nominated accordingly to where they should be.”

The nomination ballot and full criteria of each music category for the Tejano Music Awards is available online now a TejanoMusicAwards.com. The deadline for nominations is May 29, 2017 and all entries for nomination must have been released between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016, except for the category of Song Of The Year.

“A single may have been released in 2015 or 2016, but must be included in a CD release during the eligibility period of January 1, 2016 through June 30, 2016,” Bino G says of the new criteria for Song Of The Year. “Singles released between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017, from a CD release within the eligibility period will qualify for the 38th annual (Tejano Music Awards).”

TMA reviews and submits the nominations list to the Nominating and Screening Committee consisting of top select record producers, managers and record label personnel for verification and eligibility. The Nomination and Screening Committee returns the verified nominations to TMA for the creation of a ballot. This ballot will then be sent out to the Tejano Industry consisting of Artists, Record Labels, Managers, Radio and News organizations. TMA sends the voting results to a Certified Public Accountant for tabulation. The CPA submits the results to TMA. The top 12 nominees from each category will be included in a General Ballot to be sent out to the General Public and Tejano Industry.

The 37th Annual Tejano Music Awards is scheduled for this fall in San Antonio.

YouTube @FreddieRecordsTV

Legendary record label Freddie Records posted the final interview recorded with both Joe Lopez and Jimmy Gonzalez of Mazz on the label’s YouTube channel on April 26.

“This is the FINAL INTERVIEW ever recorded of Joe and Jimmy together. It was taped back in 2006 as they put the finishing touches to their iconic album THE LAST DANCE. Experience the magic of MAZZ! Please visit FREDDIESTORE.COM to purchase all your favorite Mazz cds.”

WATCH: Joe Lopez Jimmy Gonzalez Y Grupo Mazz – Final Interview