Issuu

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

¡Bienvenidos!

PUBLISHER: The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center P. O. Box 471, San Benito, TX 78586 Phone: 956.367.0335 Email: nrogelio@hushmail.com DIRECTOR/EDITOR: Rogelio T. Núñez GRAPHIC DESIGN: GRAPHICS CENTER Obed Longoria ADVERTISING SALES: Blanca Davis NMCAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS Beto Conde Dr. Ramon De Leon Nena Lovelace Dolores Perez Jonathan T. Jones FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS: Basilio “Chilo” Garcia Blanca Davis Cosme Serda Eliseo “Cheto” Villarreal Dr. Ramon De Leon Rogelio T. Núñez Yolanda Lopez

To our Conjunto Fans and our first-time visitors, “BIENVENIDOS!” “A Special Thanks” to those of you who follow us year after year, rain or shine. Let’s make 2018 a year to remember and wish for a greater future in the years to come. This year, The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center celebrates its 26th Annual Conjunto Festival in the great City of Los Fresnos. As Director of the NMCAC, I want to personally thank each and everyone one of our sponsors for their generosity. It is people like you that make a difference and we greatly appreciate you! I would like to take this opportunity to elaborate Rogelio T. Núñez some on the musical genre of Conjunto Music . The Director Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center celebrates its 26th Annual Conjunto Festival in Los Fresnos, Texas. There have been comments that the Conjunto Festival “belongs” in San Benito, Texas. And while we may agree with this sentiment, we feel strongly that the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center and the Conjunto Festival has no boundaries. Having said that, what we mean is that the musical genre of Conjunto music, a musical form forged on the Texas-Mexican Border in South Texas by working class people, belongs throughout the United States and beyond. How so? Let us explain. As Conjunto music evolved in the Rio Grande Valley, the people who begin to attend musical presentations where Conjunto Music was being played were also evolving as a population. The Mexican American population, a working class people were evolving into a migrant population who would follow the agricultural and industrial migrant trails. Raza from the Rio Grande Valley went to the California, Oregon, Michigan, Ohio, Florida, Arkansas, Oregon, Illinois and many other states. And it was Conjuntos who would also follow the migrant streams to play for the Raza during the weekends. Many from Rio Grande Valley in the 50’s and 60’s went to the factories of Chicago and the Conjuntos also went to Chicago to play. Los Fantasmas del Valle have recorded Bellos Recuerdos, a song which describes Raza following the migrant streams in los “cuarentas y cincuentas”. Many Raza “settled out” and made their homes in these states away from the Valley. Conjuntos continued to play to audiences to the remnants of the migrant stream and for those who were now residents of these states they had traveled to. While the demographics of the migrant streams have changed and Texas Mexican conjuntos no longer follow the migrant stream, occasionally some conjuntos will play outside of Texas and likely at an event where individuals who have a connection to the Valley. Therefore, Conjunto Music belongs everywhere in the United States and beyond. Since the birth of the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts on October 29, 1991, twentyseven years ago we have worked very hard to create a quality cultural product. We continue with our cultural programming that includes our 3rd Thursday Conjunto nights at the Historical La Villita Dance Hall, book readings, lectures, documentaries and the annual Conjunto festival. In closing, and on behalf of The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center, we want to thank the City of Los Fresnos, the Community Development Corporation , and the Chamber of Commerce for giving us the opportunity to bring the Conjunto Festival to their city. We have received a very warm welcome since we began preparing for the festival in the beginning of 2018. We are grateful for the hospitality and we look forward to the three days of the best in Conjunto Music. Sincerely, Rogelio T. Núñez Director

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

Table of Contents 4 6 7 10 11 13 14 18 19 22

Bienvendidos from Rogelio T. Nunez, Director Welcome Polo Narvaez, City of Los Fresnos Mayor Conjunto Festival Schedule of Events Ramon Lucio y Conjunto Dominante Chano Cadena y Su Conjunto Rio Jordan Da Krazy Pimpz Rodney Rodriguez y Los Cucuys Conjunto Halcon/Los Fresnos High School Bene Medina y Su Conjunto

24 26 28 29 30 33 34 35 35 36

Los Monarcas de Pete y Mario Diaz Max Baca y Los Texmaniacs ConteĂąo Boni Maurico y Los Maximos Santiago Garza y La Naturaleza Ruben De La Cruz y Su Conjunto Friends of the Conjunto Festival (2 Liners) Los Angeles Del Sur Epi Martinez & Friends Ruben Garza y La Nueva Era

Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Festival Fundraiser only for 3 days! We are raffling nine items, which include two Hohner accordions and a Dillardâ€™s product basket! Get your tickets now! Ask our volunteers at the gate. You do not need to be present to win. Drawing will be held Sunday, October 21st before the last band plays! Tickets only $5.00! Thank You to all our Sponsors!

Tickets for $5 for a chance to win one of two Hohner Accordions. You do not have to be present to win. Purchase a $5 tickets for a chance to win a Dillards product gift basket.

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

Polo Narvaez City of Los Fresnos Mayor

CITY COUNCILâ€™S WELCOME

he Los Fresnos City Council would like

to welcome fans to the 26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival and the first of many to be held in Los Fresnos. Congratulations to the festival for 26 years of hard work providing conjunto music to this area. If this is your first time to attend the festival, you are in for a treat. This festival is one of two festivals in the nation solely focused on conjunto music, a musical genre pioneered

he Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center is an organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion and development of the rich and 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-Mexican border experience. The work of the Center includes monthly guest speakers, lectures, art performances, accordion lessons, art exhibits, 3rd Thursday Conjunto Nights at the Historic La Villita Dance Hall and our biggest program the 3-day Conjunto Festival in October featuring 17 conjuntos.

by The Father of Conjunto Music, Narciso Martinez from La Paloma, Texas just a few miles from Los Fresnos. There will be 3 days featuring 17 of the best conjunto bands in the state of Texas. During your visit to our great City, we hope you can stay the night, visit some of our businesses and restaurants in Los Fresnos. Again, welcome to the City of Los Fresnos and hope to see all of you again next year for the 27th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival as we work to make this an annual event for Los Fresnos. Now sit back and enjoy the music. Narciso Martinez, El Huracan de Valle, and his conjunto group performing at the 1986 Festival of American Folklife Smithsonian Institution & National Park Service in Washington, D.C. Each member received an official recognition and appreciation for their exceptional contributions to conjunto music.

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

26TH

ANNUAL CONJUNTO FESTIVAL 2018 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.

FRIDAY: OCTOBER 19 Ramon Lució y Conjunto Dominante Chano Cadena y Su Conjunto Rio Jordan Da Krazy Pimpz Rodney Rodriguez y Los Cucuys

SATURDAY: OCTOBER 20 4:00 p.m. Los Fresnos Conjunto Halcón 5:00 p.m. Conjunto Heritage Taller 6:00 p.m. Bene Medina y Su Conjunto 7:00 p.m. Los Monarcas de Pete y Mario Diaz 8:00 p.m. Max Baca y Los Texmaniacs 9:00 p.m. Conteño 10:00 p.m. Boni Mauricio y Los Máximos

5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.

SUNDAY: OCTOBER 21 Santiago Garza y La Naturaleza Ruben De La Cruz y Su Conjunto Los Angeles Del Sur Epi Martinez & Friends Ruben Garza y La Nueva Era

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

VISIT US ONLINE City of Los Fresnos www.cityoflosfresnos.com 200 North Brazil Los Fresnos, TX 78566 (956) 233-5768

Welcome Conjunto Fans to the City of Los Fresnos, Texas!

t 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. Our Los Fresnos CISD is recognized as a regional leader in academics and offers competitive athletic and extra-curricular activities. Our City Council is dedicated to enhancing quality of life and business efforts. We have a professional and strong Police Department, Fire Department, and EMS. We also have strong existing partnerships with workforce development organizations and higher education. 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, Smokin’ Hwy 100 Cook-off & Festival, a monthly Artisan Market, three seasonal festivals for our kids, concerts and much more! League baseball and soccer as well as Boys & Girls Club activities including tutoring, volleyball, flag football, basketball, to name a few are important in Los Fresnos.

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

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 your business. The Chamber also promotes social and cultural events to enhance the welfare and prosperity of our community. 203 North Arroyo Boulevard, Suite A Los Fresnos, Texas 78566(956) 233-4488 http://www.losfresnoschamber.com Email: office@losfresnoschamber.com

Email blasts, Facebook and Website posts are a source of business networking and inform the community of forthcoming events and activities. For more information regarding any function or event please contact the Chamber office at (956) 233-4488 or office@losfresnoschamber.com

Schedule of Events Conjunto Festival Halloween Festival Christmas Parade Christmas Festival Under the Stars Los Fresnos Artisan Market

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 19, 20, and 21 Wednesday, October 31 Saturday, December 8 Saturday, December 8 3rd or 4th Saturday of every month, except February (Rodeo)

Meet the Conjunto Festival Committee

Top Row (L-R): Cosme Serda, Dr. Ramon De Leon, Ruben De La Cruz, Frank Hernandez, Raquel Villarreal, Rogelio T. Nuñez Sitting (L-R): Cheto Villarreal, Basilio “Chilo” Garcia, Yolanda Lopez, Blanca Davis 26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

Ramon Lucio y Conjunto Dominante Ramon Lucio musical career began in the year

2000. He was born in Port Isabel, Texas on May 7, 1975. And graduated from Rivera High School in Brownsville, Texas. Ramon’s conjunto was named Los Dominanates del Valle and in the summer of 2017 changed to Ramon Lucio y Conjunto Dominante. Ramon is the first voice and also manages the band. Major influences on Ramon and his conjunto have been the pioneering conjuntos Gilberto Perez, Los Dos Gilbertos, Los Fantasmas del Valle, and the late Ruben Vela. Favorite conjunto singers include Gilberto Perez, Hector Barron and Ruben Garza. Conjunto Dominante band members are Ramon Lucio first voice, bass, second voice Jaime “El Serrucho” Solis, drummer and vocals David Martinez, Alfredo Aviles bajo sexto, Joaquin Chavez on accordion, along with Juan Lugo (NMCAC accordion instructor). Conjunto music runs through Ramon’s blood. There is a lot of competition, but “you always have to be humble. I love playing for people and you always have to play and sing from your heart.” Ramon plays in the Rio Grande Valley, but is venturing out to San Antonio, Victoria, Corpus, Beeville, and Robstown, Texas. Currently the band is looking for a label and is looking to record their second album in the summer of 2018. Their first CD was titled “Lo Traigo En Las Venas, 100% Conjunto”.

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

Ramon firmly believes in being humble and has the utmost respect for all the conjunto bands working hard every weekend playing their hearts out for La Gente. It is the people who make the bands what they are. Ramon’s conjunto was featured in an Austin, Texas publication, “Nuestra Musica” which is distributed throughout the United States. He has been getting calls to play from this publicity. While not playing conjunto music, Ramon is busy working for the PUB in Brownville, Texas. He is married to Amanda and has three children, Valeria, Viviana, and Ramon Lucio.

Chano Cadena y Su Conjunto Chano Cadena was born on October 31, 1937, on a ranch close

to Palito Blanco, Texas. The family would listen to phonograph records—78’s of Narciso Martinez and Lydia Mendoza—as well as listen to the radio to the latest Mexican rancheras beaming from stations across the border. Chano’s older brother Jose began to first play the instrument until he shipped off to Europe during World War II and after the War again picked up the accordion. Seeing his older brother playing the instrument inspired Chano, who was 8 years old, to begin playing a toy accordion. His father, Don Ignacio Cadena, recognized his son’s talent, and saved up money to buy Chano a real accordion and began taking him around the ranchos to play for neighbors and friends. Father and son would walk miles to these ranchos with Chano’s accordion in a pillow case. Soon after, he was playing in cantinas for patrons who would pay him nickels and quarters for polkitas, valses and popular canciones. He formed a conjunto when he started going to school in Alice, Texas. His first recordings were advertising jingles for a department store recorded with Tejano music pioneer Armando Marroquin of Ideal Records. Chano recorded several times with Mr. Marroquin as a session musician, and soon after, he recorded with his own conjunto. In the 60’s and 70’s, Chano’s conjunto toured Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Florida. It was on this Conjunto circuit that he shared a stage with legendary greats Tony De La Rosa and El Conjunto Bernal. Musicians Amadeo Flores, Rodolfo Leal, Juan Sifuentes,

Manuel Solis, and Ruben Naranjo began their careers as members of Chano’s conjunto. In the 60’s and 70’s, Chano’s conjunto assembled his most talented lineup, featuring the vocal duo of Tonio Vasquez and Fidel Cavazos. In 1994, Ruby Franco joined the band and her voice has added a new dimension to the world of conjunto music. In 2018, Chano Cadena celebrates 64 years of playing Conjunto music.

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

Rio Jordan Rio Jordan, once the

supporting band for the legendar y accordionist Esteban Jordan, has moved to the fore and continues the Jordan tradition of innovative, genre-bending conjunto music. The Jordan Brothers, Esteban III and Ricardo continue pushing the limits of conjunto music, incorporating jazz, mariachi, rock, cumbia and salsa into their sound. Rio Jordan is easily the most progressive accordion-led band around, and their live shows are the proof. Although the four members are still fairly young, all were raised on a steady dose of Esteban Jordan’s jazzedup repertoire. Robert Luis, Juanito and Robert “Buddy” are a later convert to Jordan’s unique accordion style. Alex Valdez has been playing drums since he was five years old and his virtuosity is evident in every song he plays. And, of course, Esteban Jordan III and Ricardo

Jordan, on guitar and bass, respectively, bring a rich heritage and harmonies to this amazing quartet. All four made up the core of Esteban Jordan’s band. Each Rio Jordan live show is a work of art: a mixture of musical precision and sonic fury. The Rio Jordan sound is a full-tilt exuberance that brings and keeps the crowd on the dance floor. Live, the band has a jazzy conjunto sound that combines old and new material spanning several decades. With each show, fans of the band can expect Rio Jordan to introduce new songs, rework older songs or bring out long forgotten hits from Esteban Jordan’s expansive body of work. From the opening song to the last, a Rio Jordan show leaves its audiences in awe…wondering when they’ll get a chance to cross the Rio Jordan again.

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

Da Krazy Pimpz On February 3, 2007 a new fusion of Tejano,

Conjunto, and Cumbia Music emerged as the now wellknown band “Da Krazy Pimpz” was born.Founders Eddie Jimenez and Eloy Cortines began the project by combining their ideas, talents, and voices to form something newer, crazier, but yet giving their fans great danceable music to enjoy. The opportunity came to be when Tejano Superstar Singer “Gary Hobbs” from the same town of Eagle Pass, Texas signed Eddie and Eloy to his own independent record label “AMMX Records” to a 4-year contract. Gary along with his son Gary Lee Hobbs have both guided and produced “Da Krazy Pimpz” with their knowledge and years of experience in “la onda tejana”. Their first album “El Pachuco Nuevo” presented the audience with their colorful Pimp Suits which was never before seen in the Tejano Industry. The single “Cumbia De Los Pimpz” which was written by Eddie himself went on to open the doors for “Da Krazy Pimpz” to Mexico and several Tejano driven States in the U.S. The song picked up airplay from Tejano and Regional/Mexican radio stations everywhere to top off a great year in 2008. “Da Krazy Pimpz” were then invited to perform the hit song “Cumbia De Los Pimpz”at the 2008 Tejano Music Awards by President Frank Salazar, sporting their Zebra Pimp Suits. The band performed along with their friends from Eagle Pass, “The Latin Dancers” for a performance to remember. Da Krazy Pimpz have toured throughout the U.S. and Mexico. They have pushed their music

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

deep into the heart of Mexico with songs like “Demasiado Romantica”, and “Por Tu Amor” featuring Gary Hobbs from their second album entitled “Pimpin It!!” The band has toured the states of Texas, Florida, California, Arizona, Washington, Idaho, Kansas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, receiving numerous recgonitions. “Da Krazy Pimpz” have cemented their “controversial” name as one of the top conjunto bands in the industry today. They have gained the hearts of many fans throughout the world with the power of the worldwide web spreading their music using the great internet tools. Da Krazy Pimpz thank all the fans for the continued support that makes this project possible. Puro Pimpin Style, Pimpin Conjunto!

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

Rodney Rodriguez y Los Cucuys Rodney was born in 1984 and began playing the accordion

when he was 10 years old, but it was at 14 that he received lessons from Jesus “Chuy” Longoria from La Victoria, Texas who taught him the basic scales and a few polkas. Up until he was 16, Rodney played with his teacher’s conjunto and with another great bajista from Rio Grande Richard Lund. A big moment for Rodney was in the year 2000 when Hector Barron of Los Fantasmas called him and told him he was looking for an accordionist. After an audition, he started playing with Los Fantasmas for 17 years until he decided to move on to form his own conjunto Los CuCuys de Rodney Rodriguez on September 2017. On November 18, 2018, he debut his new conjunto at the Historic La Villita Dance Hall in San Benito, Texas to a sold out crowd of over 200 persons. Los Cucuys have been working every weekend all around Texas. “I think we have accomplished a lot in such short time and I thank God and the people who have supported us,” Rodney said. Rodney recorded his first CD in February 2018, with Rick Garcia for his label CHR Records. In July 2018 they were awarded the STCA 2018 Upcoming Conjunto Of the Year Award in Elsa, Texas. Rodney’s influences include Gilberto Perez, Tony De La Rosa, Ruben Vela, Ruben Naranjo, Paulino Bernal, Ramon Ayala, Angel Flores, Chano Cadena and many more. “I not only listen to Conjunto music. I also like old school Norteño bands like Los Relampagos,

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

Juan Salazar, Pedro Yerena, Juan Montoya, as well as country music.” My bandmates include on Bajo Sexto and Second Voice Siji Perez, Bass Beto Perez, and on Drums and harmony vocals. We also have Javier Perez as our live sound engineer. Our goal is to keep working and keep recording music that our fans will enjoy.

Los Fresnos High School/Conjunto Halcón Los Fresnos High School’s Conjunto

Halcón was founded by Juan Longoria, Jr. and former LFHS Principal Ronnie Rodriguez 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. 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. 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 teamwork. 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 in April 2018 by “La Cultura Vive en Brownsville,” receiving 1st place awards in the following categories: beginner, intermediate, and varsity. They were also awarded 4 of the 5 individual musicianship awards.

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

LOS FRESNOS

Thanks a million! For your support of the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center 26th Annual Conjunto Festival 2018.

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

LFHS Conjunto program has flourished under Longoria Juan Longoria Jr. is part a family of musical talent, and had a desire to share his knowledge with the younger generation. In 2012, Juan discovered an opportunity in a position opening as a paraprofessional in Theater Arts at Los Fresnos High School. He was close to finishing his college education, but this was an opportunity get his foot in the education door. He interviewed for the position but thenLos Fresnos High School principal Ronnie Rodriguez needed convincing that Longoria was the right candidate. Longoria’s idea was to start a conjunto program at LFHS. So he pulled his accordion out of its case and played in Rodriguez’ office. “I was amazed,” Rodriguez said. “He came to the interview with a black box. I didn’t know anything about his background at the time. He pulled the accordion out of the box and started playing.” Through music, Longoria has changed the lives of LFHS students. He motivates them to work hard, stay in school, and strive for their dreams, simply by teaching them to play the music that is an integral part of their crosscultural identity.” Longoria started the conjunto program

with a handful of students and a few instruments. In six years, Longoria has expanded the program to more than 100 students in four classifications from beginner to advanced. There are waiting lists to get into his classes. Longoria’s teaching to young accordion players reminds him of his youth. The accordion has been the musical heritage in three generations of Juan Longorias. Longoria learned to play the accordion at age 9 from his father Juan Longoria Sr., who taught Juan and his brother Federico. Now Longoria has passed on his talents to his son Juan III, a senior at Los Fresnos High School. His 10-year-old daughter Josephine, who attends Rancho Verde Elementary, is learning to play the accordion. Longoria’s was 10 in his first public performance in fourth grade at the El Jardin Elementary School Talent Show. After graduating in 1997, Longoria followed his musical passion inspired by his father

and uncles who were part of a conjunto. Longoria has founded two other groups since then. Longoria, the 2007 Big Squeeze accordion competition state champion, knew there was something missing in his life 11 years ago. He wanted to teach and worked his way through college to earn a bachelor’s degree. Since the inception of conjunto program at LFHS, Longoria’s recognition has extended to feature the LFHS conjunto program. His proudest achievement came in April. Longoria directed the LFHS conjunto program to first place in all three categories – beginners, intermediate, and varsity – at a state-wide high school conjunto competition held in Brownsville. Juan III plays Bajo Sexto for the varsity Conjunto Halcón. Longoria has been asked by other school districts about the Conjunto programs. “Now teachers from other schools tell me, ‘I wish we have had a program like this.’ ”

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

Conjunto Heritage Taller The Conjunto

Heritage Taller is dedicated to the preservation, instruction and perpetuation of the traditional Conjunto music played with the accordion and bajo sexto. The Taller provides instruction on the accordion and bajo sexto and seeks venues where students can perform the music they have learned. The Taller is community based and participates in community activities by providing music when called upon and available to do so. A goal of the Taller is to share the expertise of each member

with all other members, believing we are all teachers and we are all students. A second goal is to ensure that this South Texas music, which was created by the melding of the European accordion and the Mexicano bajo sexto, is afforded folk music status.

Bene Medina y Su Conjunto Bene Medina at age 79 is still going strong,

playing with his Conjunto at backyard gatherings to festivals, and dances, but most importantly, Bene shares his musical knowledge with youngsters and some older than him, as one of the accordion teachers at Conjunto Heritage Taller in San Antonio, Texas. It is through his teaching accordion that Bene feels he is keeping the conjunto tradition alive. Bene was born in Brownsviile and raised in San Perlita, Texas. He began playing the accordion at the age of 13 and begin playing professionally while a student at San Perlita High School. In 1962 he was drafted into the Army and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. After 2 years in the Army he returned to San Perlita, got married and moved to San Antonio, Texas. He worked for 30 years with CPS Energy. Bene has been inducted into the Texas Conjunto Hall of Fame and Museum, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the South Texas Hall of Fame, and was also inducted into the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center Conjunto Hall of Fame

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

Los Monarcas de Pete y Mario Diaz Los Monarcas continue to travel nationwide

performing every weekend to enthusiastic audiences. Los Monarcas continue their family tradition of Conjunto excellence with their brand new CD “Celebrating 40 years”. 2018 marks the 44th year that brothers Pete and Mario Diaz assumed the leadership of the Los Monarcas. From1966 to present day, Los Monarcas have taken their traditional Conjunto sound throughout the United States and Mexico. The group has appeared on numerous Latino TV shows including “The Johnny Canales Show,” “Aqui Rogelio” and others. In addition to second generation performers, Pete & Mario Diaz, the group has also added generation number three, as Mario Diaz Jr. is the group’s full-time drummer. Along with other members, Mel De Los Santos on bass and also Rafael Perez on occasional live bajo sexto, these talented musicians are the current line-up for the 2018 version of many others. All true Conjunto enthusiasts are sure to appreciate “Los Monarcas”. This 10-song Hacienda release includes mostly the fine performance of “Los Monarcas” as they “Celebrate 44 Years” original compositions by group members themselves, and feature under the leadership of Pete and Mario Diaz. emotion-filled songs such as “El Chisme,” “Tu Solamente Tu,” and

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

Max Baca y Los Texmaniacs Grammy Award winner Max Baca created

the conjunto Los Texmaniacs a conjunto band in 1997. Baca wanted to incorporate elements from genres such as Rock & Roll and Jazz while still honoring the roots of conjunto Tejano. In 2010 Los Texmaniacs won a Grammy Award for Tejano Album of The Year “Borders y Bailes”. Members of Los Texmaniacs have changed over the years but current members include Max Baca on bajo sexto, Josh Baca on accordion, Noel Hernandez on electric bass, and Lorenzo Martínez on the drums. Los Texmaniacs have collaborated with various artists from different genres including Rick Trevino (country music), Flaco Jimenez (Tejano), Los Lobos (Latin) and even Hip Hop recording artist/songwriter King Montana. King Montana aka Aztek Astronaut is first cousins with Max Baca. Max Baca was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His grandfather was an amateur accordion player, and his father, Max Baca, Sr., played accordion in his own band. Narciso Martínez was one of his father’s idols, and Baca treasured his recordings. At age five, Max started learning accordion. The first two songs Baca learned were the polka, “Monterrey,” and the swing classic, “In the Mood.” This combination of musical genres with the conjunto music he inherited from his father portended the future direction of Baca’s musical career. When he was twelve, Baca and his brother Jimmy formed their own

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

group from Albuquerque New Mexico- Los Hermanos Baca- The Band had hit after hit in the Land of Enchantment to include- “Hey Baby Que Paso” an original hit of The Texas Tornados. The Members: Jimmy Baca Accordion & Vocals, Max Baca-Bajo Sexto & Vocals, Lee Ray Romero, Jr.-Bass Guitar and Carl Lee Lucero-Drums. Max had been playing in Albuquerque with Los Hermanos Baca when one of his major idols, Flaco Jiménez, invited him to come to San Antonio and play bajo sexto in his band. Flaco taught Baca the old techniques and encouraged him to play all twelve strings, in contrast to many other players, who ignored the lower strings, relegating the bass line entirely to the electric bass. Max continued to play with Flaco, but wanted to keep the creative flame of the Texas Tornados alive in his own work when he decided to create Los Texmaniacs.

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

Conteño Brothers Juan Longoria Jr. and Federico Longoria, inspired by

the musical influences of their father Juan Longoria and uncles who formed “Los Halcones Del Valle,” co-founded the musical group “Los Potrillos,” in 1998. For ten years Los Potrillos created a unique and innovative musical group and a loyal fan base South Texas with its signature sound. Several organizations have recognized the group for its ability to captivate audiences. With the intent to distinguish a revolutionary mix of music, Los Potrillos has 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 is an explosion of upbeat rhythms and sounds. 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. Los Potrillos which later became Conteno have garnered many accolades and awards such as “Best Conjunto of South Texas” by the South Texas Talent Commission and the “Young Conjunto of the Year” by the South Texas Conjunto Association; 2nd place in the “Guerra Grupera” competition held by EMI Latin and KGBT 98.5 in Mercedes, Texas; Grand Champion at the “Battle of the Bands” competition held by 3RL Productions; 1st place at the 6th Annual Talent Showcase held by the Tejano Academy of Fine Arts in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Juan was named the 1st place winner at “The Big Squeeze” accordion competition held by the Texas Folklife Commission in Houston, Texas in June 2007 and was featured in Hector Galan’s Documentary “The Big Squeeze” released in 2008. In 2015, he was featured as one of seven extraordinary Texans by Texas Highways Magazine. In 2015, Conteño recorded a second full album (Recordando Nuestras Raices) of instrumental pieces paying tribute to traditional regional TexasMexican music.

Reasons why you should consider a financial gift to support

The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center • We are a non-for-profit organization 501 (c) (3) since 1991 • We continue to fulfill our mission to “preserve, promote, and develop the rich and cultural heritage of the Mexican American community which includes visual arts, music, theater, dance, and literary works.” • We offer year-round cultural programming. Some of our programs include: • • • • • • • •

Art Exhibits Accordion Lessons Annual Conjunto Festival Book Readings Book Signings Film Documentaries Third Thursday Conjunto Nights Annual Conjunto Festival

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

We thank all our supporters—without them, we would not be able to fulfill our mission. Your monetary donation helps us in reaching our funding goals. MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO:

Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center P. O. Box 471 San Benito, TX 78586

Check our website:

www.narcisomartinezculturalartscenter.org

Boni Mauricio y Los Máximos Bonifacio (Boni) Mauricio III began entertaining

audiences at a young age in June 1974, performing as a drummer alongside his father Bonifacio Mauricio Jr. By 1980, Boni was a fluent drummer, bassist, and bajista. During the 1980s while performing with Conjunto legend and master accordionist Isaac Figueroa, he asked for accordion lessons; little did he know that his musical career would embark on a new horizon. Boni started playing the diatonic accordion in 1982, performing and/ or recording with such Tejano greats as Los Campeones de Raul Ruiz, El Conjunto Madrigal, Conjunto Badd, Pio Treviño, Al Chavarria and The Hometown Boys, to name a few. Boni, being influenced by his Padrino, Tony De La Rosa, took his advice to go solo. In 1992, Boni formed his own conjunto, “Los Maximos”. He developed his own style of both singing and accordion techniques by using influences from his mentors and or inspiration such as Jose Feliciano, Isidro Govella, Juan Sifuentes, Joe Ramos, Tony De La Rosa, Angel Flores, Mingo Saldivar, Flaco Jimenez, Salvador Garcia, Manuel Guerrero, Paulino Bernal, Steve Jordan, and many others. With this mixture of combining voices and accordion techniques, Boni became organized. In 2001, and awards. He has been inducted into “The Tejano Roots Hall of Boni did his first solo recordings with Hacienda Records, and to this Fame” and the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center Conjunto Hall Fame. day Boni continues to produce music for other bands and himself. Throughout the past 40 years, Boni has acquired many recognitions

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

Santiago Garza y La Naturaleza S antiago Garza began his

professional career playing drums at the age of ten. He play with a conjunto named Fraces Tejanas De Juan Arguello. Santiago later learned to play the bajo sexto and bass guitar by the age of 14. By the age of 16 he learned to play the accordion and it has been his main instrument of choice. Santiago really enjoys singing his heart out and puts on a vocal show at all of his performances. Very few male performers hit notes as high as Santiago can. His signature song to end the night is “Paloma Negra” in which puts a vocal twist to the song. Fans really appreciate his vocal range as well as his vocal stamina on this song, and on many others, but “Paloma Negra” really showcases his range. Throughout the years, Santiago has played with many Conjuntos and Tejano bands like Fraces Tejanas where he cut his teeth in this genre of music, Conjunto Centrale Jose Luis Garza (his Dad), Marky Lee y Conjunto Caliente, Grupo Humilde de Tomas Navarro, Boni Mauricio y Los Maximos, Los Tremendos Cinco, and lastly Marcos

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

Orozco y Grupo Rebelde. Approximately 10 years ago Santiago formed La Naturaleza, a San Antonio area Conjunto. They have recorded 6 CDs of which the latest titled “Mis Raices”. His popularity has touched all corners of the Conjunto world and his demand is high, as he has toured the states of California, Arizona, Idaho, and Illinois. In 2017, Santiago Garza y La Naturaleza was voted “Conjunto of the Year” by the South Texas Conjunto Association.

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

Ruben De La Cruz y Su Conjunto Ruben De La Cruz y Su Conjunto begin his

musical career at age 8 when he received accordion lessons from Tomas Granado in Homestead Florida, but in his return to the Rio Grande Valley, Ruben’s accordion instructor (1988-1990) would be the legendary Ruben Vela from Santa Rosa, Texas. In 1990 Ruben’s father formed Los Nuevos de Tejas. Shortly after in 1991-1992 Ruben formed Ruben De La Cruz y Su Conjunto. In 1995 bajo sexto artist Frank Hernandez from San Benito, Texas joined Ruben’s conjunto. This 23-year relationship between Ruben and Frank has made Ruben De La Cruz y Su Conjunto one of the most popular conjuntos in Texas. Ruben and Frank not only marry the accordion and bajo sexto musically, they also systematically harmonize their voices. Frank is also well known for singing boleros and is distinguished by singing Chelo Silva’s famous bolero, “Perla Negra”. Ruben De La Cruz y Su Conjunto have recorded 16 CDs with R y N Records, Hacienda and RoRecords. Ruben credits his father David as one of his major influences. Ruben’s goal is to continue taking his Conjunto sound vocals, Ruben De La Cruz, Frank Hernandez, bajo sexto and vocals, throughout the U.S. and Mexico and one day become millionaires. Felix Aleman, bass, Joey Anzaldua, drums, Ruben de La Cruz, Jr., The band members of Ruben De La Cruz include: Accordion and percussion, Mike Vallejo Jr., MC, and Rafael Luna, sound engineer.

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

Friends of Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center 26th Annual Conjunto Festival 2018

A Piece of Cake by Ybarra Harlingen (956) 364-0220

Master’s Hair Studio Harlingen (956) 412-8377

The Neighborhood Doctor La Feria (956) 797-2002

El Taco Jardin San Benito (956) 361-0990

Papi’s Mexican Restaurant Harlingen (956) 428-7274

Vicky’s Restaurant San Benito (956) 361-0102

Glazer’s Beer & Beverage McAllen (956) 686-0545

Robert Lopez, CPA Harlingen (956) 425-9020

Victoria’s Jewelry & Beads San Benito (956) 456-3619

HEB – Commerce Street Harlingen (956) 425-6677

Teresita Villarreal, Songwriter Harlingen (956) 226-9803

Wells Fargo Bank Los Fresnos (956) 233-3600

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

Los Angeles del Sur J o e Sanchez,

accordionist, vocalist founder of L os Angeles del Sur traces his musical heritage to the 1930s, when his grandfather organized dances in La Feria, a small community in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Joe’s father became a musician and tells his own stories of riding on horseback through the mesquite underbrush with an accordion strapped to his back. They were a family of migrant farm workers, and Joe traveled north following the crops. After a hard week’s work, he noticed how the field workers danced to the music of the button accordion and the bajo sexto. It was the music of the family roots in the Valley, and it wasn’t long before

Epi Martinez and Friends When one hears Epi Martinez,

the names of Elida y Avante, Los Frijoles Romanticos, and the late Benny Layton immediately come into the discussion. And Epi has real strong connections to all of these well-known musical artists. Epi is a musical genius who plays 16 instruments, including bajo sexto, congas and timbales, mandolin, vihuela and many more; he also has a great voice. What is behind the many talents of Epi are his parents Epifanio (deceased) and Cruz Martinez. At a young age Epi was recording his first 45 and was already playing drums with the popular Texas Mexican Conjunto Duet, Epifanio y Cruz. Before going into his musical background Epi, who says he was raised the “old way” was making sure that he paid tribute to his parents influence in his musical career. Epi’s face glows as he describes his adolescence and being able to accompany and play with his parents as they performed throughout the Rio Grande Valley. His parents recorded with BEGO records and were popular throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Epi owns a 1948 signature Macias bajo sexto that is near and

Joe began making his own music. As he put it, “We always had an accordion lying around the house”. In 1978, Sanchez formed Los Angeles del Sur. His father joined the conjunto to play bajo sexto and brother Larry covers engineering duties and also plays bajo sexto. Lorenzo Sanchez has retired from playing with Los Angeles. Los Angeles del Sur have been featured in Washington, D.C. as part of the Smithsonian’s Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Basin Project, and most recently at the Smithsonian’s Folklife Festival. Joe Sanchez has received several awards for both his vocal and accordion skills.

dear to his heart. Throughout the years, he has worked with different artists and bands such as Bobby Pulido, Grupo Deseo, Ruben Vela, Los 4 del Valle, Inspiracion and as he says “tengo muchas millas corridas” undoubtedly he feels the experience with Elida y Avante and Los Frijoles Romanticos were his premiere years. In 2003 their CD release Frijoles Romanticos was nominated for a Grammy award in 2004 for Best Tejano CD and in 2007 Epi was the Tejano Music Industry percussion award winner. Epi is a musician dedicated to making his music a work of “perfection” working hard at learning from the best in the music like the late bajo sexto players Eloy Bernal and Oscar Telles. Epi graduated from Edcouch-Elsa High School in 1991 and was the Estudiantina president his last 2 years. Epi feels that “la mejor semilla” (the best seed) of the Delta area is the vast array of talented musicians that come out of the area such as Ruben De La Cruz, Benny Layton, Delta Boyz, Epi himself, and el Dueto Epifanio y Cruz. Epi’s mother Cruz accompanies him in his performances and is an excellent vocalist. 26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

Ruben Garza y La Nueva Era Ruben Garza was born in Harlingen, Texas

on July 8, 1948. As a teenager he began playing with Conjunto Hermanos Ramos and would also jam with other conjunto artists like Chuy Villegas, Martin Zapata, and Issac Villegas. As many other conjunto musicians Ruben would also follow the migrant stream and traveled to Lubbock to pick cotton and Traverse City, Michigan to pick cherries. It was in Traverse City that he met Cali Carranza and would play on weekends with the Carranzas. It was at the age of 19 years old that a dream he had was fulfilled when the great conjunto artist Ruben Vela asked him to join his conjunto as the bajo sexto player. Ruben Vela was at the peak of a great career and Ruben at a young age was going to play and tour the U.S. alongside Ruben Vela. It was during these formative years that Ruben was to meet and learn from other master bajo sexto players like Eloy Bernal, Adan de la Rosa and Amadeo Flores. From them Ruben would learn “pizaditas” musical riffs that would improve his musical talent. Ruben played with Ruben Vela until 1978. He became friends with the late Gilberto Garcia of Los Dos Gilbertos, because “everywhere we played, he would greet us”. Garza told Garcia if he ever needed a bajo sexto player and vocalist to give him a call. There came a time when Garcia needed a bajo sexto player, and Garcia invited him to be a part of Los Dos Gilbertos. Despite

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018

not having the “Gilberto” name, he became an honorary “Gilberto”. In 1978 Garza joined Los Dos Gilbertos and it was Garza who would become the other major face of “Los Dos Gilbertos” as the bajo sexto player and first voice. Garcia and Garza were now known as Los Dos Gilbertos, as a new duo their first hit was “El Rosalito”. The style of music the duo produced has been referred to as “Conjunto Fino” for its refined sound, not only for dancing, but for listening. Together the duo won two Tejano Music Awards and garnered a Grammy nomination. Ruben continued to play with Los Dos Gilbertos until September 2015, when his longtime musical partner Gilberto Garcia suddenly passed away. Ruben has now started his own conjunto, Ruben Garza y La Nueva Era Musical and feels they will soon continue with success he had with Ruben Vela and Gilberto Garcia. His motto is simple and sincere and passionately lives by it, “Cuando le metes el corazon y el alma a la melodia todo va a salir bien” (when you put your heart and soul into the melody it will always come out good). Ruben Garza has played the bajo sexto professionally for over 50 years, has recorded over 30 albums, and has been inducted into the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame in Alice, Texas and the Texas Conjunto Hall of Fame in San Benito, Texas. He was recognized by the City of Harlingen in 2018 for his musical contributions to Conjunto Music.

26th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2018