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[9/12] Preview: 37th Annual Mexican Independence Celebration at Fiesta Gardens

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Fiestas PatriasToday at Fiesta Gardens marks the 37th annual Mexican Independence celebration presented by Fiestas Patrias of Austin. As always, there will be family-friendly fun and a great Tejano/Conjunto  lineup.

This year’s schedule is as follows…please note that it may be subject to change without notice:

Folklorico Fiesta featuring Roy Lozano’s Ballet Folklorico de Texas – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Cañonazo (Tejano) – 2 p.m.

Los Dos Gilbertos (Conjunto) – 4:15 p.m.

Los Badd Boyz Del Valle (Conjunto) –  6 p.m.

Marcos Orozco (Tejano) – 7:45 p.m.

Jimmy Gonzalez y Grupo Mazz (Tejano) – 9:30 p.m.

Long story short: Another great family event at Fiesta Gardens with a great selection of performers. There will be plenty of food and community too! A fantastic way to say goodbye to summer.

Fiesta Gardens is located at 1900 E Jesse E. Segovia Street, at the intersection with Chicon Street, on the banks of Lady Bird Lake in East Austin. Doors open at 10 a.m.

Admission is free from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., $8 from 2 to 5 p.m. and $10 from 5 p.m. to close. All ages are welcome and children under 12 are always free with a paying adult.

For more information, visit diezyseis.org.

[8/23] Preview: Marcos Orozco at Dance Across Texas

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Marcos ArrozcoSunday August 23,  Dance Across Texas welcomes award-winning Tejano superstar Marcos Orozco, along with his top-notch backing band, Grupo Rebelde. The group will bring their special brand of romantic cumbias, and rancheras featuring one of the most beautiful voices in Tejano music to the new club, which continues to bring some of the biggest acts in Tejano music.

The multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer, arranger and musician began his career in the 1980s with groups Blackjack, Powerhouse, and the legendary Fabulosos 4, but it was his time as the lead singer for David Lee Garza y Los Musicales that propelled him to Tejano music mega popularity. His unmistakable voice is on the megahits ”Tonta,” “Una Noche Mas,” “Tu Boca Roja,” and more, which are still on heavy rotation at Tejano music stations and on DJ playlists everywhere.

After his time with the Musicales, Orozco embarked on a successful solo career with his own group. Tracks from his solo efforts include “Baila Morena,” “Costumbres,” “Una Historia de Amor,” and “Como Un Tigre.” His most recent album, Buenos Dias, is available now, with the single “Buenos Dias Amor” on Tejano stations from coast to coast.

Long story short: With one of the most unique voices in Tejano music history belting out some of his classics and latest hits, the dancefloor will be packed with shiny boots, sparkling belt buckles, and twirling cowboy hats.

Dance Across Texas is located at 2201 East Ben White Blvd just east of I-35 in south Austin. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $12 presale and $15 at the door. 18+ welcome. For more information, contact Dance Across Texas at 512-910-4000.

[8/22] Los A-T Boyz and Lobo IV at Texas Club Bar and Grill

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los at boyzTonight, the Texas Club Bar and Grill welcomes Austin’s own Los A-T Boyz and San Antonio’s Lobo IV to the stage.

Los A-T Boyz, formerly known as Alma Tejana, are known for their high energy live show, with la familia Rodriguez masterfully working the stage through each cumbia, ranchera, and charanga. Their sound draws from almost every genre, allowing their creative spirit and radiant energy to shine through during every performance and on every recording. The guys released a single last year, “Mundo de Promesa,” featuring Cacy Savala.

Much like The Hometown Boys, Lobo IV has a sound and lineup firmly rooted in Conjunto: accordion, bajo sexto, bass and drums. After enjoying some success in the 90s, they took a seven year break, coming back strong in 2007. They remain true to their original sound, which can be described as Conjunto with a twist, and have worked hard to break into the Austin Tejano scene, which is not easy to do.

Long story short: Expect a great high-energy stage show and sound from Los A-T Boyz, and some amped-up Conjunto from Lobo IV. A great combo.

On a personal note: Beloved A-T Boyz accordionist Paquito Rodriguez is battling a reoccurrence of the rare form of cancer he had a few years ago. Fans and friends from Austin and beyond have been sending prayers and healing energy to one of the best guys in Tejano music. Get well soon, Paq!

The Texas Club Bar and Grill is located on Burleson Road just south of Ben White Boulevard in southeast Austin. Cover charge is $8 before 9 p.m. and $10 after 9 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. and 21+ are welcome. For more information call (512) 502-4197.

[8/21] Preview: Cañonazo CD Release Party at Toro Negro Lounge

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toro negroTonight at Toro Negro Lounge, Cañonazo celebrates the release of their brand-new self-titled CD. Copies of the new album will be on hand, plus some special guests, and plenty of surprises at the south side club.

Austin Cañonazo has been a frequent guest at Toro Negro over the past year or so, and has built a following among Austin Tejano fans. For good reason, too. This latest incarnation of Cañonazo, founded by veteran Tejano musician Steve (Rat) Silvas, not only has a strong, traditionally Tejano flavor with a danceable beat, it features the fantastic voices of Robby Garza and Erika Santana. Rat provides some of the best keyboards in the business, along with guitar courtesy of longtime Austin favorite and former Latin Breed frontman Gilbert Alba, while drummer Jazz Garcia and bassist Roy Q keep the rhythm section nice and tight.

Although I haven’t heard the CD yet, I have no doubt it will live up to their live performances and fan expectation. Word has it that Tejano producer extraordinaire Gilbert Velasquez and the legendary Little Joe (with whom Rat spent many years in La Familia) both contributed to its production, as well. For those unfamiliar, check out the video below for a preview of the big, smooth, classic-sounding voice of Robby Garza, backed by Cañonazo.

Long story short: This is a great group with a lot of charisma, a perfect mix of experienced veterans and super-talented rising stars. The atmosphere will be fun, festive, and friendly. Be sure to grab a CD!

El Toro Negro is located at 615 West Slaughter Lane, at the southwest corner of Slaughter and South 1st. Show starts at 9:30 p.m., 21+ welcome. $5 cover. For more information, call 512-632-9949.

[8/21] Preview: AJ Castillo at OK Corral

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AJ CastilloTonight, OK Corral will welcome A.J. Castillo for the very first time. The Austin native will be bringing his “New Movement” flavor of Tejano to what will likely be an adoring hometown crowd at the South Side club.

He may seem young, but he has been around the music scene his entire life, growing up in a musical family along with his talented brother Sergio. Many consider A.J. to be part of the future of Tejano, because of his innovative interpretation of classics as well as some originals, throwing in influences and techniques from other genres, including jazz and hip-hop. His high-energy stage show only adds to his appeal with a younger crowd. A.J.’s newest CD, Sin Limites, is available now.

Long story short: A night of accordion fireworks and hot cumbias, for sure! Sergio will likely be on-hand, and maybe a few other surprises. A younger crowd will pack the dance floor for nearly every song.

OK Corral is located at 629 W Ben White Blvd, at the southeast corner of Ben White and South 1st. The doors open at 8 p.m. The cover charge is $12 before 9 p.m., $15 after 9 p.m. 21+ are welcome. For more information, message OK Corral on Facebook.

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[8/15] Preview: Jimmy Gonzalez y Grupo Mazz at Desperados in Kyle

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Jimmy GonzalezTonight, the legendary Jimmy Gonzalez y Grupo Mazz return to Desperados in Kyle. The Brownsville native and bonafide Tejano superstar is considered one of the best arrangers and songwriters in Tejano music and, after beginning his career well over thirty years ago, he is still going strong and cranking out hit after hit.

The story of Mazz is nothing short of amazing and is the stuff of movies. Jimmy Gonzalez has seen it all: countless hits, Grammy Awards, Tejano Music Awards, a famously flawed former frontman in Joe Lopez, a famous rivalry with fellow Tejano powerhouse La Mafia, highs and lows, and finally a resurrection with Gonzalez himself as the voice and face of Mazz. Through it all, Gonzalez has consistently written great songs and has continued to be one of the most popular, bankable and reliable acts in Tejano music.

Jimmy’s latest release, Iconic, is now available everywhere, and is yet another solid effort and most definitely “puro Mazz.”

Long story short: Lots of fans, classics and new hits, and well worth the cover charge to see one of the greats. It’s also a birthday party for the man himself, Jimmy Gonzalez and Desperados’ own Eddie Chabarria too! What more could you ask for?

Desperados is located at 110 W. Center Street, just west of I-35 in Kyle. The doors open at 8 p.m.The cover charge is $15 all night long. 21+ are welcome. For more information, message Desperados on Facebook.

[8/15] Preview: Jay Perez at Texas Club Bar and Grill

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Jay PerezTonight, the Texas Club Bar and Grill welcomes “The Voice” Jay Perez. The San Antonio superstar will return to the southeast Austin Tejano hot spot, bringing a catalog of hits not only from his solo career but also from his time as a Latin Breed frontman and lead singer for David Lee Garza y Los Musicales.

Perez is known for his ability to sing nearly every genre. He effortlessly switches from Tejano to Country to Soul, giving the crowd some variety at each of his shows. His cover of Soul standard “Me and Mrs. Jones” and his Country tune, “Steel Rain” are just two examples of his versatility. He is also known for his version of the unofficial Tejano national anthem, “Don Luis El Tejano,” recorded with the Latin Breed. A consistent hit maker with a strong fan base, Perez won Male Vocalist of the Year at the Tejano Music Awards from 2003 to 2010 before being unseated by Jesse Turner of Grupo Siggno in 2011.

Long story short: Classic Tejano by one of the masters, along with a few curveballs.

The Texas Club Bar and Grill is located on Burleson Road just south of Ben White Boulevard in southeast Austin. Cover charge is most likely $15 at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m. and 21+ are welcome. For more information call (512) 502-4197.

[8/14] Preview: Conjunto Romo at OK Corral

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Conjunto RomoTonight, Conjunto Romo will take the stage at OK Corral. The Kyle-based family band will be pretty much playing for a hometown crowd when they make their debut a the south side Tejano club, so the energy will be off the charts, filling the venue with a fun, friendly vibe that only friends, family, and longtime fans can bring.

Considered rising stars on the conjunto scene, Conjunto Romo includes father Navor Romo on bass and vocals, and sons Cedrick on accordion, JJ on drums and Noe on bajo sexto. The family band has made great strides in establishing themselves among legendary performers and fans alike. Citing the late Jimmy Garcia of Los Garcia Bros. as a major influence, the Romos stay true to the traditional conjunto sound and have established a strong following, including a growing fan base in the Coastal Bend and Rio Grande Valley.

Long story short: If you don’t like conjunto, stay home…or better yet, come out and see why conjunto’s hot right now. If you want synthesizers or brass, these ain’t your guys. Squeezebox. Stacy Adams. Suits. Dresses. Polkas. This classy crowd is will pack the dance floor with the intricate partner dances that are the norm at conjunto clubs in San Antonio and further south.

OK Corral is located at 629 W Ben White Blvd, at the southeast corner of Ben White and South 1st. The doors open at 8 p.m. No cover charge all night long. 18+ are welcome. For more information, contact OK Corral on Facebook.