n October 4, 5, 2024, The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center will be hosting its 31st Annual Conjunto Festival in the City of Opportunity, Los Fresnos, Texas. Another two days of great Conjunto music produced by 15 of the best Conjunto bands in the U.S. We are grateful to the City of Los Fresnos, Texas for the opportunity to present this important event. Gratitude is extended to the Los Fresnos City Commission, the Community Development Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, and especially the Public Works Department for their upkeep of the Memorial Park, as well as the Police Department for ensuring the safety and security of this wonderful event.
Our Conjunto elders are moving on to the spirit world, but we have youthful artists who are working hard to maintain the tradition of Narciso Martinez. One elder, in particular, and a dear friend of mine and the NMCAC who moved on was Antonio “El Hormigon” Torres (May 2, 1939 – April 24, 2024). He was renowned by his mastery of the bajo sexto, a great song writer and vocalist. Tony performed many times in our NMCAC acoustic presentations and in our Conjunto festival with Oscar Hernandez and the TUFF band. In our festival last year, I met Tony’s daughter on Friday evening. I asked how Tony was doing, she answered that his health was declining. I asked her to say hello and if possible, maybe she could bring him on Saturday. After the first bands played his daughter approached me and said that Tony was in the audience. I walked over and greeted Tony with a handshake and a “fuerte abrazo”. While he had difficulty speaking, he was able to tell me that he was glad to attend the festival and to see me. That event was the last time I saw him. But his presence left me with the energy, inspiration, and spirit to want to continue with this important event. Although my colleagues and I at the Center are not “spring chickens,” we remain committed to ensuring the continuation of the conjunto tradition.
The 31st Annual NMCAC Conjunto Festival will feature the youth of Conjunto Music, i.e., the Los Fresnos Elementary Conjunto and the Los Fresnos High School Conjunto Halcon. Joel Guzman/Sarah Fox and Conjuntazzo will return to the festival after an absence of over 15 years. The regions of Conjunto music will be represented by Conjuntos from the RGV, San Antonio/Austin, Corpus Christi/Houston. Except for LFCISD conjuntos, all the bands performing have countless of years performing. You will absorb the greatness of this genre through individuals who represent pioneering musicians like Gilberto Perez, Los Hermanos De La Rosa (Tony, Alfredo, Adan), Eligio Escobar and Cha Cha Jimenez.
It is difficult to say which one of our festivals is the best one, as all have been exceptional and showcased numerous pioneers. We are undoubtedly honored to have Narciso Martinez, The Father of Conjunto Music, as the namesake of the organization. The Center opened its doors on October 29, 1991, with Narciso Martinez performing for an audience that filled the venue to a standing room only. It was also Narciso’s 80th birthday. It is important to mention the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center’s 1988 Conjunto festival in San Benito, Texas was recorded by the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings in Washington, D.C. and a CD, Taquachito Nights: Conjunto Music from South Texas was produced. A word on Narciso Martinez at age 25: His first recordings La Chicharronera and El Tronconal were recorded on October 21, 1936 and through October 24, 1938, a two-year period he recorded 86 songs with his bajista Santiago Almeida-- WOW!!
In closing, the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center is grateful to our loyal fan base who have supported our work since October 29, 1991. We are looking forward to another exciting event filled with fun, music, and dancing. On behalf of the City of Los Fresnos, Texas we extend a sincere heartfelt WELCOME!
www.cityoflosfresnos.com
520 East Ocean Boulevard
Los Fresnos, TX 78566
(956)233-5768
IIt was in 1915 that the first settlers established our family friendly suburban community. Since then we have retained a vibrant small community quality of life atmosphere.
Our Los Fresnos CISD is recognized as a state leader in academics and offers competitive athletics and extracurricular activities. Our City Council is dedicated to enhancing quality of life and business efforts. We also have strong existing partnerships with workforce development organizations and higher education.
We have a professional and vibrant Police Department, Fire Department, EMS, and a scenic Nature Park. Due to bird migrations, Los Fresnos is rapidly becoming an important birding destination. We are “on the move” growing fast and offering competitive land values and low property taxes.
Los Fresnos offers an annual PRCA Rodeo, Stock Show, Cowboy Cook-Off, Conjunto Festival, four seasonal festivals for our kids, concerts and much more! Little League Baseball and Boys & Girls Club football, volleyball and basketball are important in Los Fresnos.
The Los Fresnos Chamber of Commerce is organized to promote and assist businesses in our market area. We are committed to seek and implement all possible ways to promote, announce, and advertise the business interests of our members.
The Chamber also promotes tourism and civic, social, and cultural events to enhance the welfare and prosperity of our community.
Email blasts, Facebook, X, and Website posts are a source of business networking, and also inform the community of forthco-
2024 FESTIVALS & EVENTS
31st Annual Conjunto Festival
October 4 & 5, 2024
Halloween Festival
October 31, 2024
Christmas Parade & Festival
December 7, 2024
2025 FESTIVALS & EVENTS
35th Annual Los Fresnos Rodeo
February 14 - 16, 2025
Rodeo Parade
February 15, 2025
Easter Festival – Biggest Little
Easter Egg Hunt in Texas
April 19, 2025
Independence Day Celebration
July 3, 2025
32nd Annual Conjunto Festival
October 3 & 4, 2025
Halloween Festival
October 31, 2025
Christmas Parade & Festival
December 6, 2025
A word from the Mayor
The Los Fresnos
City Mayor welcomes the 31st Annual Narciso Martinez
Conjunto Festival. We are honored to have this event featuring 15 of the best conjunto bands in the State of Texas for all to enjoy during these two nights of music and safe family entertainment.
The City of Los Fresnos welcomes all who want to be a part of this memorable celebration and encourages you to visit our local businesses to enjoy great food and a comfortable stay while discovering what this great city has to offer.
Thank You / 2024 Sponsors
Welcome letter / Rogelio T. Nuñez
Welcome to the City of Los Fresnos
A Word from Council / Mayor Alejandro Flores
Conjunto Band Lineup
NMCAC Mission Statement
Conjunto Band Photos
Narciso Martinez 1991 Write up
M/M Narciso Martínez Burial Site San Benito
Appreciation Message Dr. & Mrs. Ramón De León
Los Fresnos Elementary Conjunto
Continuing with Center’s Mission
Dance Time in Los Fresnos
Thank You Volunteers
We’re Doing More with Your Support
Los Fresnos CISD Conjunto Halcón
Looking Back at Conjunto
31st Annual Conjunto Festival
Publication layout, production, and development of posters and flyers by:
Los Fresnos News 705 W Ocean Blvd. (Hwy 100), Suite B-2 Los Fresnos, TX. 78566 Ph: (956) 233-9928
31st Annual Conjunto Festival
$10 per day
Memorial Park | 900 N. Arroyo Blvd. | Los Fresnos
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4 | Gate Opens at 3:00 P.M.
5:00 p.m. Fruty Villarreal y Los Mavericks
6:00 p.m. Los Chachos de Jesse Gómez
7:00 p.m. Conteño
8:00 p.m. Linda Escobar y Su Conjunto
9:00 p.m. Los D Boyz
10:00 p.m. Joel Guzman & Sarah Fox y Conjuntazzo
11:00 p.m. Santiago Garza y La Naturaleza
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 | Gate Opens at 2:00 P.M.
4:30 p.m. LFCISD Conjunto Halcon & Elementary Conjunto
5:00 p.m. Juan P. Ramos y Grupo Tremendo
6:00 p.m. Jesse Pérez y Sus Compadres Alegres
7:00 p.m. Riley y Los Gilitos
8:00 p.m. Los Monarcas
9:00 p.m. Gilberto Pérez Jr. y Sus Compadres
10:00 p.m. Rodney Rodriguez y Los Cucuys
11:00 p.m. Los Tellez
Note: No outside food, beverages, or ice chests will be allowed. Bring your lawn chairs, family, and friends.
To all our conjunto fans, wishing you safe travels and stay well! We look forward to seeing you back next year!
In Memoriam Eduvina Martinez
Eduvina Martinez was laid to rest next to her late husband, Narciso, in 1996 at Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito, Texas.
The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center is an organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion and development of the rich cultural heritage of the Mexican American community which includes visual arts, music, theater, dance and literary works.
Narciso Martinez was born on October 29, 1911 in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico and lived most of his life in La Paloma, Texas, passing away on June 5, 1992.
The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center was named in his honor as the result of his philosophy of being a proud man of Mexican ancestry and working class origins, a man of the people who over the years gave of himself and his musical talents so that others could enjoy his contributions: a man who was willing to share his rich musical and Texas-Mexcian border experience.
31st Annual Conjunto Festival FEATURED ARTISTS
Fruty Villarreal y Los Mavericks
FRIDAY | October 4 | 5:00 pm
Los Chachos de Jesse Gómez
FRIDAY | October 4 | 6:00 pm
Conteño
FRIDAY | October 4 | 7:00 pm
LFCISD Conjunto Halcon SATURDAY | October 5 | 4:30 pm
Juan P. Ramos y Grupo Tremendo
SATURDAY | October 5 | 5:00 pm
Jesse Pérez y Sus Compadres Alegres
SATURDAY | October 5 | 6:00 pm
Linda Escobar y Su Conjunto Riley y Los Gilitos
FRIDAY | October 4 | 8:00 pm
Los D Boyz
FRIDAY | October 4 | 9:00 pm
Joel Guzman & Sarah Fox y Conjuntazzo
SATURDAY | October 5 | 7:00 pm
Los Monarcas
SATURDAY | October 5 | 8:00 pm
Gilberto Pérez Jr. y Sus Compadres
FRIDAY | October 4 | 10:00 pm SATURDAY | October 5 | 9:00 pm
Santiago Garza y La Naturaleza
Rodney Rodriguez y Los Cucuys
FRIDAY | October 4 | 11:00 pm SATURDAY | October 5 | 10:00 pm
LFCISD
Elementary Conjunto Los Tellez
SATURDAY | October 5 | 4:30 pm
SATURDAY | October 5 | 11:00 pm
Photo Courtesy of Mariaelena Villarreal Photography
Photo Courtesy of Mariaelena Villarreal Photography
Photo Courtesy of Mariaelena Villarreal Photography
Photo Courtesy of Mariaelena Villarreal Photography
Photo Courtesy of Mariaelena Villarreal Photography
Photo Courtesy of Mariaelena Villarreal Photography
Photo Courtesy of Mariaelena Villarreal Photography
Photo Courtesy of Mariaelena Villarreal Photography
Photo Courtesy of Mariaelena Villarreal Photography
Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center
Since October 29, 1991
The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center is an organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and development of the rich cultural heritage of the Mexican American community. This heritage includes visual arts, music, theater, dance, and literary works.
Narciso Martinez was born on October 29, 1911, in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. He lived most of his life in La Paloma, Texas. Ethnomusicologists, specializing in Mexican-American music, considered him to be the Father of Texas Mexican conjunto.
In 1935, he teamed with bajo sexto player Santiago Almeida in what was to begin a highly fruitful collaboration leading to the establishment of the accordion and bajo sexto as the basic constituents in the then embryonic conjunto style. In 1935, Narciso and Santiago made musical history with the recordings of the polka “La Chicharronera” and the schottische “El Tronconal” for the Bluebird record label. Narciso Martinez was on his way to becoming the most prolific and popular accordion player. He was given the epithet of “El Huracan del Valle” as recognition on the part of the people that he was, indeed, a pathfinder (Pena, Manuel, The Texas Mexican Conjunto: History of a Working Class Music, U.T. Press, 1985).
Narciso Martinez played the accordion for 64 years until his death of June 5, 1992. He represents a major historical actor, not only for the Rio Grande Valley but for the rest of the country. Narciso recorded through 1991. In 1982, Don Narciso Martinez was inducted into the Conjunto Hall of Fame in San Antonio, Texas. In 1983, he received the National Heritage Award from the National Endowment of the Humanities in Washington, D.C.
We are honored and privileged to name the center for Don Narciso Martinez. He captured the essence of the philosophy of our center being a proud man of Mexican ancestry and working class origins; a man of the people who over the years gave of himself and his musical talents so that others could enjoy his contributions, a man who was willing to share his rich musical and Texas-Mexican border experience.
43rd Annual
May 14 - 18, 2025
Lorenzo Sanchez was born in La Feria, TX on April 30, 1933 and passed away June 1, 2024. Lorenzo got involved with conjunto music when his grandfather would organize festivals in La Feria’s main street. He played bajo sexto with
several bands. He also taught his sons how to play conjunto music. Later his sons formed the band Los Angeles Del Sur which he later joined. I first met Lorenzo when the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center was in San Benito, Texas. His sons Joe and Larry used to run the sound of our conjunto festival for numerous years. Los Angeles Del Sur also played for several years in our festival.
But where I got to interact more with Lorenzo was during the various times, we had acoustic presentations, 2nd Weensday, in the old San Benito Public Library where the Center was housed. During these interactions I found out more about who Lorenzo Sanchez was. He was, as the saying says “De Hueso Colorado.” I first heard of this phrase from my dear friend and founder of the Raza Unida Party in Texas, Dr. Jose Angel Gutierrez. The phrase “De Hueso Colorado” is referenced
in the Spanish Maritime Diary of 1831, referring to the strong northern winds encountered by those sailors who navigated in the Gulf of Mexico. Over time its usage became popular during the Mexican Revolution 1910. During the Revolution those that were “De Hueso Colorado” were intense defenders of the Revolution and its ideology.
Lorenzo Sanchez era “De Hueso Colorado.” Always making sure Los Angeles Del Sur performed to their best. He was definitely “old school” polite, reserved, respectful, but always attentive when you would talk to him. He stood firm, strong, and very much loved his family. Music was always an important part of his life. He and his wife were the proprietors of the dance hall, Sammy’s in Mercedes, Texas, which is still in the Sanchez family and is operated by his son Everardo. by Rogelio T. Nuñez
CONJUNTO PIONEER
n behalf of The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center, my wife and I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the City of Los Fresnos, the Community Development Corporation, and the Chamber of Commerce for hosting, once again, our 31st Annual Conjunto Festival.
We look forward to continuing to see our supportive conjunto fans from far and near. We invite all the residents of the City of Los Fresnos and the surrounding communities to be a part of this memorable and exciting celebration in conjunto music.
For those who have not had an opportunity to visit a conjunto festival, we encourage you to do so, this year. Best wishes for a safe and healthy rest of the year and as we move forward into 2025!
Sincerely,
Dr. Ramon De Leon (Board Chair) & Mrs. Yolanda De Leon
The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center
The Los Fresnos Elementary Conjunto, celebrated for its dynamic performances and remarkable achievements, is a vibrant ensemble of talented young musicians. Under the expert guidance of music teacher Mr. Santiago Castillo, the group passionately embraces Conjunto music, a beloved genre deeply rooted in South Texas culture. With a bachelor's degree in music education and 17 years of experience as an elementary music teacher, Mr. Castillo has dedicated over a decade to teaching Conjunto music at the elementary school level. He began his journey at J.T. Canales Elementary in Brownsville, TX, where his conjunto earned numerous awards and performed across the state. As the only elementary Conjunto in Texas, in 2017 Mr. Castillo’s ensemble was honored to perform at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) convention, one of the largest gatherings of music educators in the nation. Held in San Antonio, TX, this prestigious event saw the young musicians showcasing their exceptional talent, particularly their impressive accordion skills, and earning acclaim from a room full of esteemed music educators.
In 2019, Mr. Castillo, a proud alumnus
of Los Fresnos High School, returned to teach for the Los Fresnos School District at Los Fresnos Elementary School. There he once again founded an elementary Conjunto program, continuing his tradition of teaching young students the rich heritage of Conjunto music. His dedication was highlighted in 2022 when his elementary Conjunto along with the high school Conjunto performed to an enthusiastic audience of educators at the TASA/TASB convention in San Antonio, TX, demonstrating their exceptional musical talents.
Mr. Santiago Castillo, from a distinguished musical family in Brownsville, TX, grew up immersed in conjunto music. Inspired by his grandfather Sotero Castillo and father Armando Castillo, he mastered various instruments in school and later founded the band Grupo Azido in 2006 with his brother Roy Castillo. Despite having no initial experience with the accordion, his music theory knowledge allowed him to excel. Castillo continues to perform with Grupo Azido, while also working as a music educator, producer, and owner of his own studio, CastleZounds.
The Los Fresnos Elementary Conjunto (LFE Conjunto) has earned widespread
recognition for its outstanding performances and rapid development of young musicians. Students, often beginning with no prior experience, quickly advance to playing instruments such as the accordion, bajo quinto, bass guitar, and drum set at an exceptional level within just a few months. This dedication has resulted in the LFE Conjunto consistently earning Superior Division titles at the La Cultura Vive Texas Best Conjunto Competition. Beyond competitions, the LFE Conjunto plays a vital role in the community, performing at numerous school district and city of Los Fresnos parades, conjunto festivals and local events. Their performances not only showcase their talent but also celebrate the rich musical heritage of South Texas.
None of this would be possible without the commitment of the students and the unwavering support of their families, school administration, and local community members. Together, they ensure that the LFE Conjunto program remains a shining example of the transformative power of music education and the enduring potential of young musicians to honor and inspire their community.
ConjuntoMusic Supporting
The late, Hall of Fame Award-Winning Songwriter, Tere Villarreal (1937-2023) inspired many, especially women. Leaving behind well over 200 compositions, many of her songs are “boleros”— considered bittersweet, betrayed, and most of them with a romantic twist.
To date she has 30 recordings by various Tejano/Conjunto/Regional Mexican Artists.
To name a few:
“Primero Se Seca El Mar” Los Dos Gilbertos
“Yo Se Que Volveras” Los Donneños de Ramiro Cavazos
“Maldita Tristeza,” Ruben Vela Jr. y Los Muchachos
“Devuelveme La Vida” Rubén De La Cruz y Su Conjunto
“Si Te Vas” Ruben De La Cruz y Su Conjunto con Ruben Garza
“Amor Sincero” Ruben De La Cruz y Su Conjunto con Ruben Garza
“Me Enamore de Ti” Los Dos Del Norte de Beto Espinoza
“Ando de Rienda Suelta” Los Dos Del Norte de Beto Espinoza
“Donde Andaras” - “De Ti No Queda Nada” Juan Antonio el Domador
“No Me Digas Que No” (First release 1976) - Laura Mariscal, YouTube
“Si Tu Me Quisieras” Ruben Garza y La Nueva Era
“Yo No Puedo Olvidarte” Ruben Garza y La Nueva Era
Thank you to all who continue to support Tere’s music.
When all is said and done, I'm convinced that Joel Guzmán will be remembered as one of the greatest and most innovative button accordion players in the history of Tejano Conjunto Music. He can play anything, from traditional Tejano and Conjunto, to blues, rock, jazz, salsa, tango, cumbia colombiana, boleros, and beyond. Conjunto Music is cosmic, after all, a mixture of the Old World and New World, Español and Native American Indians, button accordion and bajo sexto, European polkas, Afro-Caribbean cumbias and Indigenous huapangos. Conjunto is a unique musical mestizaje over 500 years in the making, and an
American musical ensemble and style of music that was created by the Texas Mexican people along the border between the U.S. and Mexico during the early 1900s.
That's why it's interesting and significant to note that in this latest recording of Conjuntazzo featuring Joel & Sarah titled Puro Tejas, he returns to his traditional Conjunto Tejano roots in a chingón way. Of the ten songs recorded, three are covers, and seven are original compositions: three by his wife Sarah Fox Guzmán, and four by Joel. Two of the covers are tributes to Conjunto Music pioneers, Narciso Martinez, "El Huracán del Valle," and Santiago Jiménez Sr., father to Flaco and Santiago Jr. What's even more important is that the four compositions by Joel are all original instrumental pieces: a polka, redova, chotis, and huapango, which harkens back to the early days of Conjunto Music, 1920s-1950s, when much of Conjunto Music was instrumental, and many of the prominent accordionists were composing and recording original instrumental pieces. For many years, now, l've lamented the fact that most Tejano/Conjunto Music groups don't play any of the beautiful instrumental vales, chotises and redovas at their dances anymore.
Joel's virtuoso accordion playing is showcased not only on his original traditional instrumental
We will hold your memory in our hearts! Beautiful melodies yet to come...
tunes in this CD, but also in the polcas rancheras, cumbia and bolero which have been influenced by some of Tejano Conjunto Music's all-time great acordeonistas and progressive stylists such as Paulino Bernal, Oscar Hernández and Esteban Jordán. Sarah's vocals shine through on two of her original compositions: the ethereal jazzy bolero, "Almas Volando" (which is the only song on this CD that aberrates from the traditional 4-piece Conjunto ensemble of button accordion, bajo sexto, bass and drums, and includes piano and guitar), and the cumbia "Rosa Negra."
Puro Tejas not only highlights the superb songwiting, arranging, performing, producing and recording skills of musical power-couple Joel & Sarah, it is one of those rare Tejano Conjunto Music recordings that can take you "back to the future" in a magical melding of traditional instrumental Conjunto button accordion roots music, with some of the most progressive and visionary stylistic elements and accordion-playing within the genre. Xingón. Enjoy.
Juan Tejeda
Retired professor of Mexican American Studies & Music at Palo Alto College in Yanaguana/San Antonio, Texas
Founded July 1981
Casa de Proyecto Libertad
Rogelio T. Nuñez
(956) 367-0335
Immigration Legal Services & Advocacy
elcia I. Lopez is a photojournalist specializing in visual storytelling, documentary, editorial, sports, travel, corporate and food photography. She is currently a staff photographer at the Monitor in McAllen, Texas. Delcia was born in Edinburg, Texas and has a photojournalist career of over forty years. She has spent a lifetime telling the stories of the Rio Grande Valley.
A self-taught photojournalist, Delcia studied at the University of Texas Pan American, and her work has been featured in newspapers and magazines throughout the United States and the world. A gifted photographer and intrepid journalist, Delcia’s work has earned her accolades and awards. Her eyes and voice are instrumental in capturing a nuance of what border life is really like.
Delcia’s life work has been devoted to improving the life of others. Through her work she sheds light on the complexities of life on an international line. Her work has captured the realities of issues such as immigration
as well as celebrated RGV residents. She has been nationally and internationally recognized for her sports photography which is first rate, and she documents-for the history books-RGV athletes and their sports teams. Her clients are a who’s who of journalism, for example, The Guardian UK London, Vogue ITALIA, The New York Ties, The Washington Post, TIME, Boston Globe, Texas Monthly, and many others.
We are honored to feature Delcia’s work on our Conjunto Festival magazine and t-shirt with her photo of Johnny Joe Guetierrez from Palmview, Texas on the accordion.
BLANQUITA'S
paulgonzalesins@att.net
paulgonzalesins@sbcglobal.net
NMCAC Cultural Programming 2024
Continuing with the Center's Mission To Preserve, Promote, and Develop
"Desayuno Cultural" features poetry, book readings, and cultural exchanges every first Friday at Lali's Cafe in San Benito.
Attending
Beto Conde, Author
Ann Chandler, Rogelio T. Nunez, Dr. Armando Trujillo & Dr. Nestor P. Rodriguez
The National Association of Chicano / Chicana Studies in San Antonio, Texas. Presentation: 50 years of Conjunto music of Boni Mauricio. March 2024.
Julieta Corpus, Poet & Author
Rudy Garcia, Author
Meliton Hinojosa, Chicano Poet
Manuel F. Medrano, Ph.D.
Juan Tejeda, Author
MARIAELENA VILLARREAL
Couldn’t do it without you!
THANK YOU FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS!
The Narciso Martinez is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization’s mission is to preserve, promote, and develop the rich, cultural heritage of the Mexican American community which includes visual arts, music, theater, dance, and literary works. Since 1991, the work of the Center has featured authors, lectures, art performances, accordion lessons, art exhibits, book readings, book signings, film documentaries, and poetry readings. The Conjunto Festival continues the tradition of conjunto music. We thank all our supporters. It is your financial support and attendance to our events that helps us to continue with the cultural productions of the Center.
If you wish to donate, please remit your check payable to:
Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center P. O. Box 471 | San Benito, TX 78586
No matter the size of your donation, every contribution supports the organization in sustaining the Center’s mission.
Visit the website: www.narcisomartinezcac.org Like us on Facebook!
Supporting Conjunto Music!
Juan Longoria Jr, inspired by the musical influences of his father Juan Longoria and his uncles, “Los Halcones Del Valle” cofounded the musical group, “Los Potrillos,” in 1998 with his brother Federico Longoria. In 2008, under the direction of Juan Longoria, Jr. and Federico Longoria, Los Potrillos evolved to “La Nueva Esencia Musical: Grupo Conteño.”
The fundamental characteristics that distinguish the unique sound of Conteño are not only the harmonious balance of styles of Regional Mexican music including Conjunto, Tejano and Norteño, but the emotion and message that is expressed in the music itself. Conteño’s signature sound
Los Fresnos High School’s Conjunto Halcón was founded by Juan Longoria, Jr. in 2012 at Los Fresnos High School in Los Fresnos, Texas. In the years since, Conjunto Halcón has grown to become one of the largest and most acclaimed conjunto programs in the state of Texas. Under Mr. Longoria’s direction, Conjunto Halcón has performed at various showcase events throughout Texas and has been recognized by various organizations including Texas Folklife, the South Texas Conjunto Association, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center and the Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival for its success.
This program was designed to provide an opportunity for students of diverse backgrounds to learn Conjunto music, a traditional folk music from the Texas-Mexico border region. This genre of music is traditionally passed down through generations of family members, however through this program it is offered to students for fine arts credits at Los Fresnos High School. Through the conjunto program, students are encouraged to embrace their cultural heritage and traditions through music and are often encouraged to learn multiple musical instruments. Along with learning how to play musical instruments, students are taught various skills that prepare them for professional settings including: public speaking, stage presence, showmanship, sportsmanship, respect, goal setting, comradery, and team work.
In May 2017, the Texas Senate in Senate Resolution No. 670 recognized Conjunto Halcón and its director Juan Longoria, Jr. for keeping cultural traditions like conjunto music alive in Texas. Conjunto Halcón also competed successfully at a Texas-wide high school conjunto competition held annually in April by “La Cultura Vive en
is an explosion of upbeat rhythms and sounds. These unique characteristics have created a faithful fan base in the Rio Grande Valley. The release of Conteño’s debut album, “Soltando Las Riendas” by Long Records in November 2008 is a testament to this new sound and new era of Regional Mexican music.
Conteño has remained busy throughout the state of Texas and nationally after their CD release in 2008. In 2015, Conteño recorded a second full album (Recordando Nuestras Raices) of instrumental pieces paying tribute to traditional regional Texas-Mexican music. In 2016 Conteño was selected to participate in the National Folklife Festival Circuit which included performances and workshops in Butte, Montana and Richmond, Virginia. Conteño, is currently working on several new singles.
Juan has also been recognized for individual awards by the musical community. Juan was named the 1st place winner at “The Big Squeeze” accordion competition held by Texas Folklife in Houston, Texas in June 2007 and was subsequently featured in Hector Galan’s Documentary “The Big Squeeze” released in 2008. In the fall of 2012, Juan was given the opportunity to found a new conjunto music program at Los Fresnos High School. The conjunto program has blossomed considerably and now accounts for about 100 students receiving fine arts credit as part of the program. Los Fresnos High School’s Conjunto Halcón has been featured by countless publications including Texas Monthly Magazine, Texas Highways Magazine and National Public Radio. The program has also successfully competed in state conjunto competitions receiving multiple 1st place awards in beginner, intermediate, and varsity categories as well as countless individual musicianship awards for accordion, bajo-sexto, bass, drums and vocals. Both Juan and Federico have worked closely with Texas Folklife through their programs including the Big Squeeze Accordion Competition and the Apprenticeship Program to expand their impact on young Texas conjunto musicians. And most recently, in July 2024, Juan Longoria Jr. was recognized as a 2024 Taproot Fellow by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts. This program will help support Mr. Longoria promote the rich musical culture of conjunto music on a national scale.
Brownsville,” receiving multiple 1st place awards in beginner, intermediate, and varsity categories as well as countless individual musicianship awards for accordion, bajo-sexto, bass, drums and vocals.
The conjunto program has countless performances throughout the school year including the Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival, the City of Brownsville Sombrero Festival, the Los Fresnos Rodeo, the San Antonio Tejano Conjunto Festival and many other community events. Conjunto Halcón students have been fortunate enough to have had master workshop classes with grammy-nominated and award-winning musicians such as Elida Reyna, Jaime y Los Chamacos, the Alex Miexner Band and Don Juan Villarreal y Los Cachorros. The conjunto program students and director, Juan Longoria Jr., have been interviewed by Texas Monthly magazine, Texas Highways Magazine, National Public Radio and also appeared on the YouTube show “Jueves con Cadena,” in a professional live studio recording and workshop in Houston, TX viewed by thousands. The program has also been
recognized as “The Role Model of High School Conjunto Music” by Mr. Juan Tejada, the founder of the San Antonio Tejano Conjunto Festival.
Conjunto Halcón’s director, Juan Longoria Jr., has been recognized as one of the most influential conjunto educators and musicans in the state of Texas. In 2007, Mr. Longoria was recognized as the first place winner of Texas Folklife’s Big Squeeze Accordion Competition. He has continued to work with Texas Folklife on programs such as the Big Squeeze Accordion Competition and the Apprenticeship Program to further the impact of conjunto music in the lives of young Texans. He has also worked as a consultant to school districts around the Rio Grande Valley to spread the creation of conjunto programs in various middle schools and high schools. Most recently, Juan Longoria Jr. was recognized as a 2024 Taproot Fellow by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts. This program will help support Mr. Longoria promote the rich musical culture of conjunto music on a national scale.
in “Live” Texas Mexican Conjunto Music since October 29, 1991. Longest Running Conjunto Festival in the RGV and is one of two Conjunto Music festivals in the
