The Last Bandoleros program

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Friday

APR 19

7:30 pm

The Last Bandoleros An unbridled blend of Tex-Mex, country and rock ‘n’ roll

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APR 19 | The Last Bandoleros

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There will be no intermission during this performance.

There will be a space for dancing directly in front of the stage.

The Last Bandoleros With its Tex-Mex influence and rock ‘n’ roll vibe, The Last Bandoleros is pushing the boundaries of the country music genre. The Last Bandoleros combine their unique cultural experiences with rare musical camaraderie, and their exuberance and joy are contagious. In today’s fast-moving world of instantaneous information and converging influences, their original yet universal sound might just be best labeled “great music.”

Their story began in San Antonio, Texas with guitarist/producer Jerry Fuentes, who, during a musical pilgrimage to Manhattan, chanced to meet New York native, singer-songwriter/producer Derek James. Fuentes and James began collaborating in Brooklyn. But, Fuentes kept being drawn back to his native Texas to record in the same San Antonio studio where a couple of talented brothers were also emerging. Diego and Emilio Navaira, sons of Tejano music legend Emilio Navaira, Sr., had been making a name for themselves around town for their energetic live performances and sterling vocal chops. Fuentes decided to combine both of his universes by introducing Derek to Diego and Emilio and inviting them to joint-sessions in Brooklyn and San Antonio where riffs and lyrics began flying fast.

Newly christened The Last Bandoleros, the quartet began playing live, opening for The Mavericks, Jon Pardi, Josh Abbott Band, Los Lonely Boys and Marc Broussard. Recognizing their high level of musicianship, Sting called upon them to sing backing vocals on his single “I Can’t Stop Thinking About You” which soared the heights of radio charts around the world. Praise also began pouring in from the music press. Rolling Stone wrote: “[The Last Bandoleros’] music caroms wildly from rock and country to conjunto and pop, adding up to a sound that’s hard to get out of your head.” People Magazine dubbed the band “ones to watch” and Entertainment Weekly included them in their “Breaking Big” list. HITS Magazine described The Last Bandoleros as “Tex-Mex meets harmony‑rich Beatlesque pop, with a healthy dollop of boy-pop charisma.”