Pico Ramirez has a storied career backing up some of the most respected accordionists in la Onda. Pico is a Tejano R.O.O.T.S. Hall of Famer, but what he's most known for is being the right-hand man to "El Clark Gable de la Onda Chicana," Ruben Naranjo.
Grupo Lumbre is based out of Houston, Texas. Founded by bandleader, Tony Romo, in the 80s, Grupo Lumbre has recorded under Joey Records, Sugar Hill, Fuerte Records, and recently, Hacienda Records. In the 80s and 90s, Grupo Lumbre experienced much success. Lumbre has had several singles go number #1.
Conjunto La Tradizion, based out of New Braunfels, Texas, is a group that prides itself on putting on a quality performance. The details are in the band's name. Tradición (Tradition) being the root word of the La Tradizion's name, with the substitution of "c" for "z," is very much indicative of this conjunto's sound.
Like their name implies, Conjunto Puro Corazón is all heart. The group chose the name because their members all perform this soul-pleasing roots music from the heart when entertaining audiences in and around San Antonio, Texas. Conjunto Puro Corazón is also a unique supergroup of sorts not seen very often in conjunto. Many view Conjunto Bernal's harmonization of two accordions as visionary.
Gilberto "Chore" Perez Jr. is a native of the Rio Grande Valley. Perez is the namesake of one of the most respected accordionists in la onda, Gilberto Perez Sr. As Chore was growing up, he didn't really get to know his father too well as Gilberto Sr. was actively touring during those years. Time with family is a sacrifice many musicians make in order to bring home income to sustain the household.
Michelle has never been a stranger to the music business. Her uncle is well-regarded music producer and engineer, Rick Garcia. He and his brother Roland Garcia along with Roland's wife, Annie, founded Hacienda Records (Corpus Christi, Texas) in 1979. Michelle is the current CEO of Hacienda. She's definitely the boss, but she can also relate to her talent roster and their experiences on their respective musical journeys.
Nick Villarreal was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. A member of the Zimmerle family, well-known for their musical talent, it was almost inevitable that Nick would continue in his family's footsteps. Nick's first music teacher was his grandfather, James Zimmerle, who first taught Nick how to play the accordion at 5 years old. James then moved on to teach his grandson how to master el tololoche, bajo sexto, and drums.
Grupo B&B is an exceptional family band based out of Bryan, Texas. Vocalist, Bren Ocañez was born and raised in Bryan, Texas. She grew up around music her whole life. Her parents are Ester Ramírez and Felipe Ramírez. Her father, Felipe, played bass in a band with her uncle.
Los Marceles are an accordion and bajo sexto duo based out of Austin, Texas. Brothers, Valentin & Marcial Chapa Jr., make up the group. The first incarnation of Los Marceles was founded in 2011. The original line-up consisted of Valentin, Marcial Jr., their four other brothers, and their father.
Conjunto Calidad is an exceptional group based out of Seguin, Texas. Like their name implies, Conjunto Calidad aims to put on a quality show every time. Johnny Moreno and Frank Sanchez founded Calidad when Johnny wanted to gift his mother a live band for her birthday. Conjunto Calidad was born and they've been going strong ever since. Johnny Moreno is Conjunto Calidad's accordionist. He started his musical journey at a young age.
