Tonight, it’s chanclaso time at Desperados in Kyle with Ricky Naranjo y Los Gamblers. The conjunto powerhouse from Alice, Texas will without a doubt pack the dance floor at the new club, which continues to bring some of the biggest acts in Tejano music.
Ricky’s father, Ruben Naranjo, was and continues to be one of the most beloved performers in conjunto history. His simple but elegant accordion style, coupled with great vocal harmonies and foot-stomping, pull-you-out-of-your-damn-seat rhythm section (Los Gamblers) has been the soundtrack for many a Friday and Saturday night in South Texas and beyond. Ricky spent a number of years playing drums for his dad and, after Ruben’s death in 1998, continued on as bandleader of the Gamblers, faithful to the family legacy and traditional sound featuring Ruben Naranjo III on accordion and Javier and Roger Ramirez on bajo sexto and bass. The Ramirez boys are also Gambler legacies themselves, as they are sons of Ruben’s original bajo sexto player and second vocalist, Pico Ramirez.
Long story short: Two words: “Si Señor!” Seriously, I can’t recommend this show enough. Ricky and the guys don’t make it to Austin very often, except to play a jamaica or a festival. I can’t remember the last time they played a solo show in this area.
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 $12 before 9 p.m. and $15 after 9 p.m. 21+ are welcome. For more information, message Desperados on Facebook.
