The History of NACHOS.
CHICANOS in Vietnam
By Pete Diaz - Nachos have been arround for some time now but the history as to how they came to be belongs to Texas and a Tejano who in DATE was working at his restaurant ihn the Valley of Texas. Continued on page 2
Volume 1 Number 10
New Releases Stefani Montiel:
By Bo Cobos- Nachos have been arround for some time now but the history as to how they came to be belongs to Texas and a Tejano who in DATE was working at his restaurant ihn the Valley of Texas. Continued on page 2
Published Monthly www.tejanoexpress.com
September 2015
From Austin, Texas Ruben Ramos Pete Diaz
Austin Tx - Ruben Ramos, “El Gato Negro”, is an award-winning American Tejano music performer. Beginning his musical career at a young age, Ruben’s fame has grown through the years while developing his own distinct, award winning sound of music.
San Antonio - ”Quien Quiere Shots,” the hot new song from the Tejano star to hit I-tunes soon.
David Marez:
Austin - "Groovin" just became available on iTunes. Ask your nearest and dearest DJ to spin it.
Devin Banda:
In March 1998, Ruben was inducted into the ‘Tejano Hall of Fame’ and won ‘Best Male Vocalist in 1999'. His band, ‘The Mexican Revolution’, also won album of the year in 2008. At the 51st annual Grammy awards, ‘Ruben Ramos & the Revolution’ won the 2009 Grammy for “Best Tejano album of the Year.” Born into a family music legacy dating back to post-World War I Texas, Ruben’s uncles began performing in 1919 as ‘Juan Manuel Perez y Los Serenaders’. Meanwhile, in those humble beginnings Ruben’s father, Alfonso Sr., played the fiddle at family gatherings while his mother, Elvira Perez, played the guitar. At the end of World War II, Ruben’s uncle, Justin Perez, reformed the band as ‘Justin Perez and His Ex-GIs’. In 1947, Ruben’s sister Inez became the group’s singer and his older brother Alfonso, Jr., then a teenager, also began playing in the band.
Austin - Devin’s debut video to “Yo Te Dije” has hit 8,000 views since its release just two weeks ago and her single continues to be played throughout the United States and Mexico. You can also witness Devin’s Debut Film appearance as a Gospel Singer in the Film “ End of Me” produced by Thomas Jaramillo that will be released this year. Check her new single in youtube: http://youtu.be/RrK8akxm8Oc
eltejanoexpress.com
In the mid 1950s, the band had become the ‘Alfonso Ramos Orchestra’ with Ruben performing on weekends, increasingly singing
English cover R&B tunes. Now, all five Ramos brothers were performing, and playing a mix of Continues on Pg: 08
Tomas Medina’s New CD RELEASE AUSTIN Local composer and singer Tomas Medina is working hard to release his new CD: Para Ti. It a compilation of 13 original songs with special guest, Olga Castillo. For more information visit: www.austiniter.com
El Tejano Express
August , 2015
Local composer and singer Tomas Medina is working hard to release his new CD: Para Ti. It a compilation of 13 original songs with special guest, Olga Castillo. For more information visit: www.austiniter.com
1
DON RICO SEZ.... BY PETE DIAZ
TACO TIME By Pete Diaz
DON RICO WALKS INTO THE OFFICE CARRYING AN EMPTY BOX AND SETS IT ON THE EDITOR’S DESK.
“WHAT IS THIS, DON RICO?” ASKS “JUST AN EMPTY SMALL BOX ?” “NO, SEÑOR,” ANSWERS DON R ICO. “NOT JOST A EMPTY BOX.” “BUT NOTHING IS IN IT , SIR,” THE EDITORARGUES . THE EDITOR.
“YES . NO
Tejano Musician Need to Get Paid
THINGS INSIDE BUT
NOT AEMPTY BOX , A FULL BOX .”
“FULL? I DON’T UNDERSTAND, DON RICO.” “YES, A FULL BOX.” “FULL OF WHAT?” THE EDITOR ASKS NOW TOTALLY CONFUSED .
“NOW, NOW, SEÑOR EDITOR, LET ME SHOWYOU.” DON R ICO POINTS TO LETTERING ON THEBOTTOM OF THE BOX. “SEE, IT SAYS ‘MADE IN CHINA’. THE BOX IS FROM OVER THERE.” “SO ,” SAYS THE NOW BEWILDERED EDITOR. “AND ?” “AND HERE SAYS JAPAN ON THE SIDE AND
SAN FRANCISCO AND AUSTIN ON THE TOP”
“BUT THAT DOES NOT MAKE THE BOX FULL ,SIR .” “OH YES, VERY FULL” DON RICO ARGUES .”FULL OF ADVENTURE , TRAVELING ADVENTURE .” THE EDITOR SCRATCHES HIS HEAD. “HAVE YOU BEEN TO CHINA OR JAPAN OR SAN FRANCISCO , SEÑOR?” “NO, I HAVEN’T, DON RICO.” “THEN, SEÑOR, YOU ARE AN EMPTYBOX.” THE EDITOR SMILES. “ADIOS,”SEZ DON RICO AS HE WALKSOUT OF THE OFFICE.
Do you have a story you want to share. Email it to eltejanoexpress @gmail.com TEJANO EXPRESS
Austin - 2015 C o n j u n t o Promising New Artist Katie Lee Ledezma says a duet with fellow rising Conjunto artist Crystal Garcia is in the works. Ledezma shared their news via Facebook on Tuesday. “Ok Y’all here is something to Expect in the Near Future!!! 2 Conjunto Divas Unite To do A DUET!!!! You read Right!!! A DUET!!!! Katie Lee Ledezma & my Amazing Friend Crystal Y Su Nuevo Talento It’s something we’ve had in mind for a while now. I’m sure y’all are gonna love it!!!” Garcia confirmed the news on her official Facebook page. Stay tunned to see when the new recording comes out. Follow them on their Facebook to be the first to gethe news and don’t forget to call us.
Austin - 2015 C o n j u n t o Promising New Artist Katie Lee Ledezma says a duet with fellow rising Conjunto artist Crystal Garcia is in the works. Ledezma shared their news via Facebook on Tuesday. “Ok Y’all here is something to Expect in the Near Future!!! 2 Conjunto Divas Unite To do A DUET!!!! You read Right!!! A DUET!!!! Katie Lee Ledezma & my Amazing Friend Crystal Y Su Nuevo Talento It’s something we’ve had in mind for a while now. I’m sure y’all are gonna love it!!!” Garcia confirmed the news on her official Facebook page. Stay tunned to see when the new recording comes out. Follow them on their Facebook to be the first to gethe news and don’t forget to call us.
Austin – A crowd of people stood outside the front door of a Tejano Club. All were anxiously waiting to get in. There were couples, men and single ladies all smiling and talking amongst themselves. Some were clasping money as if expecting, rightly so, to pay for the Tejano band’s performance that evening It has been said that the definition of a musician is “a performer who packs a $500 old car with $500 worth of musical gear, travels 100 miles to get $50 for a three hour gig”. And that almost sums it up. It happens to Tejano musicians somewhere in Austin every night, seven days a week, just about every day of the year. “What makes a Tejano musician want to do that for so little pay?” you might ask. First of all, there is the love of music. Since early childhood the desire to learn music makes a youngster want to blow a horn, pick at a guitar or bass, bang on a drum, squeeze an accordion or sit at a keyboard to feel the music surge from the instrument. The feeling of those first few notes is awesome and inspirational. Music will be in their blood forever. Next is the passion for performing; being before hundreds of people is a true musician’s dream. The noise of the crowd, the applause, the satisfied look on people’s faces as the
band plays, all inspires the performer to continue his musical endeavors. Then there is the recognition by fellow musicians, promoters, club owners and industry leaders. The tap of knuckles by fellow players on stage at the end of a solo, the calls from promoters and club owners for gigs and finally the honor of a Tejano Music Award or a Grammy. Hours and more hours of practice and even private lessons, arduous sessions at the recording studio, being away from home on gigs, the road to the top was long and steep. But after all the dreams, desires, dedication and hard work, one thing is usually missing from any musician’s endeavors: money. Let’s pay our Tejano musicians well; they most certainly deserve it. Not only does it award the many years of dedication to their art, but musician’s better pay also enhances and advances Tejano music as well. It will inspire more Tejano musicians to perform and motivate more Tejano composers to ply their trade. It will induce clubs to hire more Tejano performers. It will better Tejano music all around. When a club asks for a cover charge, keep in mind you are contributing to the betterment of Tejano music. Let’s keep Tejano music very much alive in Austin, Texas and all over the world. Across 1. Austin Tejano Music Coalition 4. El Foldo (Tex Mex Food). 6. Tejano Youth Music Competition.
Down 1. Tejano Directory Austin..... 2. Ruben Ramos 3. Little Joe ________ 5. Tejano Greeting
Tejano Express is a monthly publication dedicated to the of Tejano music and culture. Staff Pete Diaz - Editor in Chief Hope Exparza - Music Editor Bo Cobos - Staff Writer Sonny Castor - Correspondent For more information or to submit informations please call 512-784-1212 eltejanoexpress@gmail.com www.eltejanoexpress.com
2
El Tejano Express
August , 2015
eltejanoexpress.com
RAM HERRERA’s new project Herrera has been delighting fans with his music for decades. And with his latest project, with songs like “Dime Si Estoy Loco”, “Eres Mi Todo” and “Yo Te Amo” The excitement Continues. “Amame Quiereme”, a song that though originally written for Herrera, was a recorded hit by the late Selena Quintanilla Perez. The song was reintroduced by it’s writer AB Quintanilla and finds a place on the new CD.
On the heels of the release of his latest single, “Dime Si Estoy Loco”, Tejano music icon Ramiro “Ram” Herrera is Scheduled to release his new CD “Mucho Mas Que Amor”. Tues July 14th 2015
“Mucho Mas Que Amor” is Herrera’s first work since signing on with record label VMB Music Group based out of San Antonio, Texas. Source: Ram Herrera’s Facebook Page
Book Review - Book Review Austin - Alfredo Y Tortilla Factory stay on top of the Latin Groove International Top 20 Countdown Check out the new single from Alfredo y Tortilla Factory entitled “Mamacita” featuring Zavala, Rick Balderrama & Julio El Catras, produced by Zavala off of their new project. Tortilla Factory has been putting out music for a solid 43 years! Tortilla Factory have been nominated for 3 GRAMMY Awards. Their previous project, “40 Years Tortilla Factory” even brought back former lead vocalist Bobby Butler also known as “El Charro Negro.” The project also features rapper Paul Wall on 2 tracks, “All Shake No Fries” and “Come On.”
eltejanoexpress.com
El Tejano Express
Tortilla Factory releases new Hit Single!
Austin - Alfredo Y Tortilla Factory stay on top of the Latin Groove International Top 20 Countdown Check out the new single from Alfredo y Tortilla Factory entitled “Mamacita” featuring Zavala, Rick Balderrama & Julio El Catras, produced by Zavala off of their new project. Tortilla Factory has been putting out music for a solid 43 years! Tortilla Factory have been nominated for 3 GRAMMY Awards. Their previous project, “40 Years Tortilla Factory” even brought back former lead vocalist Bobby Butler also known as “El Charro Negro.” The project also features rapper Paul Wall on 2 tracks, “All Shake No Fries” and “Come On.”
August , 2015
Austin - Alfredo Y Tortilla Factory stay on top of the Latin Groove International Top 20 Countdown Check out the new single from Alfredo y Tortilla Factory entitled “Mamacita” featuring Zavala, Rick Balderrama & Julio El Catras, produced by Zavala off of their new project. Tortilla Factory has been putting out music for a solid 43 years! Tortilla Factory have been nominated for 3 GRAMMY Awards. Their previous project, “40 Years Tortilla Factory” even brought back former lead vocalist Bobby Butler also known as “El Charro Negro.” The project also features rapper Paul Wall on 2 tracks, “All Shake No Fries” and “Come On.”
3
Business Directory
4
512-784-1212
El Tejano Express
August , 2015
Business Directory
eltejanoexpress.com
Business Directory
eltejanoexpress.com
512-784-1212
El Tejano Express
August , 2015
Business Directory
5
The Beyond Therapy Band at “In The Mood Ballroom”
TThis beutiful building is Blurb about this ad more text here. Beyond Therapy at the 9494ij
Temple, Texas – Late Thursday, August 27, was an evening of gala style dancing and fine music. The versatile “Beyond Therapy Band’ fared its finest performance at the “In the Mood Ballroom” in Temple, Texas. Rudy and Karen Gonzales, owners of the venue, were great hosts making all feel comfortable in every sense of the word. The audience was very appreciative of the
b a n d ’ s performance dancing the night away to boleros, blues, danzones, cumbias, C&W, polkas and the always popular style of Perez Prado. The ever amazing guitarist and singer, Joe Ramos wooed the audience with his rendition of
“Barbacoa Blues”. Jorge Tamayo’s classical boleros, i n c l u d i n g “Solamente Una Vez” inspired many to the dance floor while drummer Chris Perez and instrumentalists Rene Garcia and Dez Desormeaux held a captive audience. Then, Rick Fuentes
behind his a w e s o m e accordion of “Las Cuatro Lupes”, filled the floor with many polka style dancers. Te m p l e has not heard the last of The Beyond Therapy Band, surely they will be back very soon.
The Voice of Sunny Castor By Pete Diaz Edinburg, Texas – “El Primo”, Roberto Pulido, was honored on May, 2015, in a s p e c i a l ceremony dedicating Edinburg’s (Tx) S c h o o l District’s state of the art performing facility in his honor, “The Roberto Pulido Performing Arts Center”. Befitting his musical motivation of honoring the hard work of his ancestors, Roberto Pulido’s band, “Los Clásicos” has kept him busy with his innovative blend of Tejano
Edinburg, Texas – “El Primo”, Roberto Pulido, was honored on May, 2015, in a s p e c i a l ceremony dedicating E d i n b u r g ’s (Tx) School District’s state of the art performing facility in his honor, “The Roberto Pulido Performing Arts Center”. Befitting his musical motivation of honoring the hard work of his ancestors, Roberto Pulido’s band, “Los Clásicos” has kept him busy with his innovative blend of Tejano
Ileah Zavala, the daughter of award-winning Tejano star Stefani Montiel and award-winning hitmaker Gabriel Zavala, made the finals for the San Antonio Spurs Silver Dancers. Ileah, who just turned 19 in June, is vying for a spot with the Spurs Silver Dancers for a second season. Congrats. Another Blurb with photo Ileah Zavala, the daughter of award-winning Tejano star Stefani Montiel and award-winning hitmaker Gabriel Zavala, made the finals for the San Antonio Spurs Silver Dancers. Ileah, who just turned 19 in June, is vying for a spot with the Spurs Silver Dancers for a second season. Ileah Zavala, the daughter of award-winning Tejano star Stefani Montiel and award-winning hitmaker Gabriel Zavala, made the finals for the San Antonio Spurs Silver Dancers. Ileah, who just turned 19 in June, is vying for a spot with the Spurs Silver Dancers for a second season. Congrats.
6
El Tejano Express
August , 2015
eltejanoexpress.com
Roberto Pulido title needs to be longer to fill space By Pete Diaz Edinburg, Texas – “El Primo”, Roberto Pulido, was honored on May, 2015, in a special ceremony dedicating Edinburg’s (Tx) School District’s state of the art performing facility in his honor, “The Roberto Pulido Performing Arts Center”. Befitting his musical motivation of honoring the hard work of his ancestors, Roberto Pulido’s band, “Los Clásicos” has kept him busy with his innovative blend of Tejano and conjunto styles. On
Interview with Cañonazo Austin - 2015 C o n j u n t o Promising New Artist Katie Lee Ledezma says a duet with fellow rising Conjunto artist Crystal Garcia is in the works. Ledezma shared their news via Facebook on Tuesday. “Ok Y’all here is something to Expect in the Near Future!!! 2 Conjunto Divas Unite To do A DUET!!!! You read Right!!! A DUET!!!! Katie
Este Vato ran into him in Austin
Pete Diaz with G Robby at the MAC By Ben Escobar
Lee Ledezma & my Amazing Friend Crystal Y Su Nuevo Talento It’s something we’ve had in mind for a while now. I’m sure y’all are gonna love it!!!” Garcia confirmed the news on her official Facebook page. Stay tunned to see when the new
recording comes out. Follow them on their Facebook to be the first to gethe news and don’t forget to call us. Amazing Friend Crystal Y Su Nuevo Talento It’s something we’ve had in mind for a while now. I’m sure y’all are
Katie Lee Ledezma By Dan Carmona
Austin - 2015 C o n j u n t o Promising New Artist Katie Lee Ledezma says a duet with fellow rising Conjunto artist Crystal Garcia is in the works. Ledezma shared their news via Facebook on Tuesday. “Ok Y’all here is something to Expect in the Near Future!!! 2 Conjunto Divas
Unite To do A DUET!!!! You read Right!!! A DUET!!!! Katie Lee Ledezma & my Amazing Friend Crystal Y
Su Nuevo Talento It’s something we’ve had in mind for a while now. I’m sure y’all are gonna love it!!!” Garcia confirmed the news on her official Facebook page. Stay tunned to see when the new recording comes out. Follow them on their Facebook to be the first to gethe news and don’t forget to call us. Su Nuevo Talento It’s something we’ve had in mind for a while now. I’m sure y’all are gonna love it!!!” Garcia confirmed the news on her official Facebook page. Stay tunned to see when the new recording comes out. Follow them on their Facebook to be the first to gethe news and don’t forget to call us.
eltejanoexpress.com
the apex of the Tejano genre, he has released over 40 albums. In keeping with his desire to preserve the history of his heritage, Pulido, 64, said, “Our ancestors worked very hard. As far as culture is concerned, our future kids will never forget the beginning of the familia. To me, family is really important.” Roberto Pulido, an Edinburg High School and a Pan American College graduate, then shared the stage with his family during the dedication at the Robert Vela High School. His son, daughter, brothers and other close relatives were on stage for the finale of the dedication. “It feels like cloud nine for this new building to be named after me,” Pulido said. The high school was named after Robert Vela the school’s late football coach. “He was a big fan of my music, and I was a very big fan of his coaching career. I had the honor of singing at his funeral.”
The Roberto Pulido Performing Arts Center is also on the cutting edge, faring state of the art technology with several communication rooms, a technical rigging room, and built in microphones. The facility features a performance stage along with costume and dressing rooms and a prop area. It also holds 350 spectators. The Tejano music legend was very moved by the dedication of the “Roberto Pulido Performing Arts Center”.
gonna love it!!!” Garcia confirmed the news on her official Facebook page. Stay tunned to see when the new Garcia confirmed the news on her official Facebook page. Stay tunned to see when the new More Text more text
Ilea becomes a dancer with the Spurs Ileah Zavala, the daughter of awardwinning Tejano star Stefani Montiel and award-winning hitmaker Gabriel Zavala, made the finals for the San Antonio Spurs Silver Dancers. Ileah, who just turned 19 in June, is vying for a spot with the Spurs Silver Dancers for a second season.
Ileah Blurb of photo
Ileah Zavala, the daughter of awardwinning Tejano star Stefani Montiel and award-winning hitmaker Gabriel Zavala, made the finals for the San Antonio Spurs Silver Dancers. Ileah, who just turned 19 in June, is vying for a spot with the Spurs Silver Dancers for a second season. Su Nuevo Talento It’s something we’ve had in mind for a while now. I’m sure y’all are gonna love it!!!” Garcia confirmed the news on her official Facebook page. Stay tunned to see when the new recording comes out. Follow them on their Facebook to be the first to gethe news and don’t forget to call us.
Su Nuevo Talento It’s something we’ve had in mind for a while now. I’m sure y’all are gonna love it!!!” Garcia confirmed the news on her official Facebook page. Stay tunned to see when the new recording comes out. Follow them on their Facebook to be the first to gethe news and don’t forget to call us. El Tejano Express
By Dan Carmona
August , 2015
7
The Caboose 22x10=220 09/01 Gloria Estefan 09/02 Royal Jesters: Oscar Lawson 09/08 Sunny and the Sunliners: Sunny (lldefonso Fraga) Ozuna 09/10 Intenso: Ruben Nunez 09/15 Kenji: Los Gatos de Japon 09/15 Intocable: Ricky Munoz 09/16 Cornelio Reyna 09/17 Jennifer Pena y Los Jetz 09/21 Jay Perez 09/23 Julio Iglesias 09/23 Tierra Tejana: Louis Salinas 09/28 Oscar G. 09/30 Los Musicales: Juan Moreno 10/01 New Variety Band: Agnes Torres 10/01 Aftershock: Jorge Lopez 10/02 Rene Rene: Rene Ede Herrera 10/02 Eddie Gonzalez: 10/03 Fama: Joel Garza 10/04 Fama: Edgar Galvan
8
tunes, from cha-chas and cumbias to . boleros and rancheras. Ruben provided the vocals and the push to many of the English songs the band constantly performed. T h e ‘Revolution’. In 1969, Ruben formed a new band dubbed ‘The Mexican Revolution’, a name chosen due to the emergence of the Chicano and civil r i g h t s movements. The band played the Chicano circuit from Dallas-Fort Worth to the Rio Grande Valley. By 1981, “Tejano” had become the new term for the music he had been playing, so Ruben changed the band name to the ‘Texas Revolution’. In 1985, Alfonso and Ruben reunited for a series of albums and were both named best vocal duo at the 1987 ‘Tejano Music Awards’. By this time, Ruben Ramos had scored with the
El Tejano Express
regional hit “El Gato Negro” (The Black Cat), which fast became his nickname. In the ‘90s, Ruben continued playing with a live horn section, eschewing the trend by many bands to substitute synthesizers and keyboards. Ruben later returned the band’s name to ‘The Mexican Revolution’ during the early 2000s. Thanks to brother “Pio” Ramos bringing to mind the early battles of the Mexican Revolution which the Perez family had fought in, the band decided to pay homage to the past, by changing its name to the ‘Mexican Revolution’. ‘Ruben Ramos & The Revolution’ have been nominated for a Grammy Award two years in a row: one for the “35th Anniversary” CD, and the other for the “Viva La Revolución” CD. The band has won the 2009 Grammy for “Best Tejano Album of the Year.” Con Safos
August , 2015
eltejanoexpress.com