Hello everyone…wondering what we’re up to?
What are we NOT up to, is the question. We just got back from a whirlwind interview trip Houston, Corpus, Refugio, Laredo and San Antonio where we interviewed some legendary performers and up and coming artists who hold the key to the future of Tejano and Conjunto music.
Sirius XM is officially in the Live Music Capital of the World! Broadcasting from some brand spankin’ new digs right next to the new ACL Live at 2nd and Guadalupe, the satellite radio giant has established a physical presence with an eye toward channeling what makes Austin special.
The “King of the Brown Sound” is a fitting nickname for Little Joe Hernandez. The music he has played over his storied career has blended together everything from mariachi, orquesta, conjunto, country, doo-wop, Sinatra-style standards, jazz, rock, salsa, and whatever else sounds and feels right, creating a sound that has resonated with Chicanos for over 50 years.
Siggno is probably the hottest band in Tejano music right now. They won Best Album at this year’s Tejano Music Awards for their most recent album, Lo Que Me Dejaste, and front man Jesse Turner took home back to back Best Male Vocalist honors in 2011 and 2012. AND his duet with Elida Reyna, “Juntos Hasta Morir,” earned him a share of Song of the Year and Best Vocal Duo as well.
What can you say about Mingo Saldivar? Dubbed “The Dancing Cowboy” because of his inimitable, engaging, passionate performance style, Mingo has been entertaining audiences all over the world (including Africa!) for over 50 years.
Most recently, he was recognized by with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Tejano Music Awards, just one of the many accolades and honors he has received over an amazing career.
Rick De La Rosa has established an online fundraising campaign to help pay for his dad’s liver and kidney transplant. Alfredo has been making great progress, but the follow-up appointments and continuing care cost a lot of money.
Any amount you can give is very much appreciated by Alfredo and the rest of the family. You can pay online with a credit card through Paypal, or if you like, call Rick at 361-455-4429 for more information.
That’s right! Rancho Alegre Radio’s own Baldomero “El Parrandero” Cuellar and Conjunto music at the Austin Moose Lodge was heard nationwide TONIGHT (9/11/12) on NPR’s All Things Considered. A very brief snapshot of Conjunto music in Austin. From small things, the big things one day come!
Earlier this year, we were approached by Delaney Hall of KUT Radio here in Austin. She was beginning work on a new collaborative project with Texas Music Matters called the Austin Music Map with the goal of documenting some interesting, though lesser-known, music venues in Austin. An interactive website, complete with extended interviews, video, and more photos, is scheduled to be launched very soon.
Chano Cadena is a Texas music legend, pure and simple. Recognized for his longevity and technical skill, he is admired by fans and colleagues alike. A hall of famer several times over, he has played and toured with all of the legends, even a very young Ruben Naranjo back in the early 1960s.
As the traditional audience ages, everyone’s talking about how to get young people to listen to Conjunto and Tejano music. Kyle, Texas, has an answer with Conjunto Romo.
Meet Navor Romo…bassist, bandleader and vocalist. Together, he and his sons Cedrick (accordion/vocals), Noe (bajo sexto) and JJ (drums), are making their mark in Conjunto music. And, in the case of Noe and JJ, juggling high school at the same time.
