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Monthly Archives: October 2013

Mariachi Corazón de San Antonio Festival

 

 

 Conservancy (MPC) welcomes you to Main Plaza, the “heart of the city”, on Saturday, October 26, 2013 from noon to 10:00pm for a day of fun, music and competition ft. MS. VIKKI CARR!This 2nd annual celebration will showcase a mariachi competition between area schools competing for the cash prize of $1,500 and the designation Best High School Level Mariachi in the San Antonio Area.  MPC’s added component to this festival is the opportunity for a select group of students to continue past this event to become a member of the All-Star, Mariachi Corazón de San Antonio ensemble.  This group of “the best of the best” will be groomed to be ambassadors for MPC, the City of San Antonio, and Bexar County.

How better to bring an awareness of family and community combined with history and heritage than by showcasing San Antonio’s finest resources, its youth and great Mariachi tradition!

Students selected for the Mariachi Corazon de San Antonio All-Star ensemble will study under the direction of Dr. Rachel Yvonne Cruz, who with an award-winning history in mariachi as well as academe, being a founder in the creation of the first Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with a Specialization in Mariachi performance and pedagogy, will team with Main Plaza Conservancy to facilitate a smooth transition for these individuals into colleges and universities as well as receiving an earned scholarship from MPC.  Judging will be by a panel of five (5) professional musicians with a vested interest in mariachi education to ensure integrity of scoring in regard to musicianship, technique and style.

This event will showcase area talent to include school mariachi groups throughout the day followed by the evening competition and recognition.  Additionally, the 1st year graduating Mariachi Corazon de San Antonio students will be presented with their scholarship recognition announcing to the world, that 100% of those graduating from this ensemble have transitioned into a college or university.

And finally, MPC will present its second “Lifetime Achievement Award” to an individual deserving of special recognition for their dedication to music and in preserving the mariachi tradition through its music and education.
Winner of the 2012 high school competition:   Brackenridge High School

Named the “BEST HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL MARIACHI IN THE SAN ANTONIO AREA”

Main Plaza Conservancy is pleased to announce the winners of the All-Star competition and now featured members of the “official” MPC Mariachi, “Mariachi Corazón de San Antonio”:

Nizhoni Begay             Incarnate Word High School

Oscar Garza               Brackenridge High School

Armando Herrara         Brackenridge High School

Roberto R. Guardiola   Fox Tech High School

Alejandro Cerrillo         Southwest High School

Marissa Arevalo          Jefferson High School

Ruby Chapa               Fox Tech High School

Alejandra Pena           Fox Tech High School

Medardo Garcia          Fox Tech High School

Francisco Yebra, Jr.   Holmes High School

Juan A. Lopez            Lanier High School

John Nieto, Jr.            Brackenridge High School

Chris Herrera              South San High School

Madison Garcia          Holmes High School

Salvador Sandoval       Southwest High Scho

Ricardo Valdez           Southwest High School

Raul Palomar              Fox Tech High School

CONGRATULATIONS STUDENTS AND CONGRATULATIONS SCHOOLS!!

Below: Mariachi Corazón de San Antonio

Below: Alfredo Flores, Gini Garcia, Jane Pauley-Flores, John Nieto, Dr. Rachel Cruz

 

 

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For more information call 210-225-9800, visit www.mainplaza.org
 
MISSION:  Main Plaza Conservancy, a 501(c)(3)non-profit organization, is dedicated to providing San Antonio and its visitors with the cultural and historical “heart of the city”, bringing an awareness of family and community combined with history and heritage.

33rd Annual Tejano Music Awards Winners

Saturday 10-19-2013 @ 11:45 P.M.

Congratulations to the WINNERS of the 33rd Annual Tejano Music Awards

Song of Year/Artist/Group

Mi Mundo Se Acabo – Siggno

 

Male Vocalist of the Year

Ricky Valenz

 

Female Vocalist of the Year

Elida Reyna

 

Entertainer of the Year

Jesse Turner

 

Album of the Year – Tejano

Contigo Descubri – Elida Reyna y Avante

 

Album of the Year – Conjunto

Back on Track – Los Hermanos Farias

 

Album of the Year – Norteño

El Mundo Se Acabo – Siggno

 

Album of the Year – Gospel

Una Simple Oracion – Javier Galvan

 

Vocal Duo of the Year

Ricky Valenz with Lupe Moreno – Por El Amor De Una Mujer

 

Best New Artist – Male

Gabriel Zavala

 

Best New Artist – Female

Cacy Savala

 

Best New Artist – Group

La Calma

 

Lifetime Achievement Award

Carlos Guzman

Paulino Bernal

33rd Annual Tejano Music Awards

Top Five Nominees

This year’s ceremonies set for October 19, 2013 at the Lila Cockrell Theatre

San Antonio, TX (10-11-2013) Texas Talent Musicians Association (TTMA), producers of the 33rd Annual Tejano Music Awards Show, has named the top contenders for awards in 13 categories at this year’s ceremonies, set for Saturday, October 19, 2013 at the historic Lila Cockrell Theatre.

 

Nominees include fan favorites Jay Perez, Shelly Lares, Michael Salgado, Ruben Ramos, AJ Castillo, David Lee Garza y Los Musicales, David Marez, Solido, Ricardo Castillon, Linda Escobar, Los Hermanos Farias, Los Garcias Brother, Texmaniacs, Grupo Siggno and Elida Reyna. While Reyna, named in five categories, leads with the most nominations, vocalist/accordionist Jesse Turner of Grupo Siggno, comes close with recognition in four categories; two with Grupo Siggno and two for his individual efforts. Two new categories added to the awards slate is best album Norteno and Gospel showcasing the diversity of subgenres of Tejano music. 

 

Special Lifetime Achievement Award honorees include Paulino Bernal and Carlos Guzman. Considered musical trendsetters of the 20th Century, both gentlemen played a major role within the Conjunto and Tejano humble beginnings and success.

 

Incredible  live performances are planned at the 33rd Annual Tejano Music Awards, including: Grupo Siggno, Jay Perez, Elida Reyna, Michael Salgado, Stefani Montiel, Jimmy Gonzalez y Grupo Mazz, Ricky Valenz,Cacy Savala, Gary Hobbs, Javier Galvan, Ram Herrera, Zamorales, Joe Vic Reyna y Los Kumbacheros, Saraly y La Promesa, La Conquista, Ruido Anejo,Tierra Tejana, Los Bad Apples, Monica Castro, Gabriel, Lety Guval, Zavala and a special performance by Sebastien De La Cruz, known as “El Charro de Oro” and Jose Luis Davila  with other surprises.

 

A Red Carpet Gala will precede the awards show where fans and media can greet the artists upon their arrival for Tejano music’s biggest night of the year, confirmed to walk the carpet Stephanie Lynn, DJ Kane, Ricky Rick and many more.

 

For tickets to the 2013 Tejano Music Awards Show visits ticketmaster.com.  Prices range from $25 to $100 for VIP seating. For the latest updates and announcements on the 33rd Annual Tejano Music Awards check the official TMA website at: TejanoMusicAwards.com.

 

 

WHO:      Texas Talent Musicians Association (TTMA), producers of the Tejano Music Awards

 

WHAT:    33rd Annual Tejano Music Awards – honoring and recognizing the achievements of Tejano Music artists

 

WHERE:  Lila Cockrell Theatre; 200 E. Market; San Antonio, Texas 78205

 

 WHEN:    Saturday, October 19, 2013; Red Carpet begins @ 5:15 to 6:15pm; Show starts @ 7pm

Texas Talent Musicians Association is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization whose purpose is to promote professional excellence; a better understanding and greater appreciation for Tejano music; and to provide a public forum for songwriters, performers and musicians in order to recognize their artistic efforts and achievements through the annual Tejano Music Awards and related events. Texas Talent Musicians Association is based in San Antonio, Texas: “The Tejano Music Capital Of The World.”®

Top 5 Nominees for this year’s 33rd Annual Tejano Music Awards are…….

 

Song of the Year

Bailamos y Platicamos – Jimmy Gonzalez y Mazz
Como Amar – Ricky Valenz
Dejate Amar – Elida Reyna
Mi Mundo Se Acabo – Siggno
No Vale La Pena – Ricardo Castillon y La Diferenzia

Male Vocalist of the Year

Jay Perez
Jesse Turner
Ram Herrera
Ricardo Castillon
Ricky Valenz

Female Vocalist of the Year

Elida Reyna
Linda Escobar
Monica Castro
Shelly Lares
Stefani Montiel

Entertainer of the Year

AJ Castillo
Elida Reyna
Jesse Turner
Shelly Lares
Stefani Montiel

Album of the Year – Tejano

All for You – Ricardo Castillon y La Diferenzia
Contigo Descubri – Elida Reyna y Avante
New Horizons – Jay Perez
Voz De Oro – David Marez
Y Ahora Aqui – David Lee Garza y Los Musicales

Album of the Year – Conjunto

2012 – Los Fantasmas del Valle
Ando Que Me Lleva – Boni Mauricio y Los Maximos
Back on Track – Los Hermanos Farias
Cuando Yo Te Conoci – Los Garcia Brothers
Texas Towns & Tex-Mex Sounds – Los Texmaniacs

Album of the Year – Norteño

Buscando Amor – Michael Salgado
El Mundo Se Acabo – Siggno
Mas Solido Mas Norteno – Solido

Album of the Year – Gospel

A Dios La Honra – Trino Paiz
Bob Gallarza Presents – Jorge David Marroquin – Caminos Del Alma
Bob Gallarza Presents Gabriel – Raices del Cruzando Fronteras – David Allen
Una Simple Oracion – Javier Galvan

Vocal Duo of the Year

David Farias with Joe Farias – Los Albaniles
Elida Reyna with Jose Zamora – Contigo Descubri
Hugo Guerrero with Ruben Ramos – Subele
Jimmy Gonzalez with Margarita – Bailamos y Platicamos
Ricky Valenz with Lupe Moreno – Por El Amor De Una Mujer

Best New Artist – Male

Angel Gonzales – Angel y Vimana
Braulio Rodriguez – Braulio y Fuzzion
Gabriel Zavala
Joe Vic – Joe Vic Reyna y Los Kumbacheros
Juaquin Cura

Best New Artist – Female

Audi Castillon Portales – Audi Y Zentimiento
Cacy Savala
Crystal Torres
Ilyssa Saenz
Tejano RoZe – Tejano RoZe y La Nueva Sensacion

Best New Artist – Group

A.S.G.
Grupo Maldad
La Calma
Tejano Funk
Tejano Sound Band

Texas Talent Musicians Association is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization whose purpose is to promote professional excellence; a better understanding and greater appreciation for Tejano music; and to provide a public forum for songwriters, performers and musicians in order to recognize their artistic efforts and achievements through the annual Tejano Music Awards and related events. Texas Talent Musicians Association is based in San Antonio, Texas: “The Tejano Music Capital Of The World.”®

 

BACKSTAGE WITH THE ZOMBIES

Zombies-HeydayBy Tess DeFlori

Beware!  Zombies seem to be everywhere. You see them in the movies, commercials, video games, Halloween costumes and even reportedly at the Alamo!  Do I have your attention now?  Well then, let me explain. I recently returned from another one of my great Rock-n-Roll adventures with the British invasion of the 1960’s, THE ZOMBIES, one of the most underrated rock bands of that era.

Just to whet your curiosity, here is a bit of information for those of you who are not familiar with this legendary Rock-n-Roll band. The Zombies are an English group formed in 1962, while the group members were still in school. As did many other rock bands in the day, they entered contests and won a competition, which led to a recording contract with Decca. The Zombies recorded their first hit, “She’s Not There”, penned by Rod Argent. Released in 1964 in the U. S., the song hit the charts at number two, but curiously failed in the U.K.

The band made a first in-person appearance on U.S. television in 1965, on the first episode of NBC’s Hullabaloo. A screaming audience of teenage girls was what the viewers saw and heard when they performed the songs, “She’s Not There” and “Tell Her No”. “Time of the Season”, also written by Argent, was released as a single and in 1969 hit, number 3, on the Billboard Charts. There is no doubt the songs, “Time of The Season” and “She’s Not There”, are legendary songs of legendary caliber. Many artists have performed their take on the Zombie songs, and more recently, the cast of Glee covered this song. The top 200 greatest songs of the 60’s include “She’s Not There”. “You Tube” them right now and you will recognize the songs (depending on your age), and/or become an instant fan!

Recorded at Abbey Road Studios and released in 1967, the “Odessey and Oracle” album was the only album the band themselves approved. Two weeks later in April 1968, the group disbanded. Luckily, the album had a U.S. release thanks to musician Al Kooper. He was signed to Columbia at that time and persuaded them of the album’s merits.  Amazing that no one else recognized the quality and intrinsic worth of this masterpiece. The first time I saw the Zombies was in Austin, Texas at Antones during the height of their day and fortunately, I cannot remember the year. You know fuzzy times, purple haze, and age! Some people may argue with that statement (the aforementioned one), but unlike others, they were more popular than people think. Blame it on their record label/management! In those days, the industry relied on the listeners picking up a rotary telephone and calling in to the radio station to say they liked the record and I will not even mention the payola!  Technology has made it easy for the sixties bands who are touring again today; and it has also made it awkward because should the band bomb it would take one second to post and five to go global!

In 2004, I returned to catch The Zombies again at Antones, where I saw them reclaim their status as Rock-n-Roll stars. One of the band members mentioned that another band toured as the Zombies and attempted to copyright their name! Herein lays the confusion of people who think that The Zombies dropped in and out throughout the years. The sold out 2004 concert confirmed the demand for The Zombies and so they were asked back. In 2013, the SXSW festival invited them to headline the music part of this festival. The festival was a huge success frankly, because the Zombies brought in several sold out venues. Lines were over a block long and the free venues had people lining up an hour in advance. The Zombies again were well received by the baby boomers, their children and their children’s children. Wow, is rock-n-roll that old?

So back to my rock-n-roll adventure…Forty years ago, Colin Blunstone performed at the Troubador as a solo act and now returned with THE ZOMBIES! After 45 years, this musical treasure continues to thrill music lovers. Forty-five years, that is an incredibly long time to stay relevant, which brings me to this past week. I was at one of the most famous clubs in Los Angeles, California, the Troubador.  The Troubadour has its own heritage, as it played an important role in the careers of many artists. Some of the most famous rock-n-roll artists such as, The Byrds, Hoyt Axton, Elton John, Linda Ronstadt, the Eagles, Van Morrison, Buffalo Springfield and others have played at the Troubador.  As an added trivia bit reportedly, in 1974, John Lennon (who was intoxicated at the time), was thrown out of the club for heckling the Smothers Brothers!

On September 9, 2013, history repeated itself at the Troubador when THE ZOMBIES, played to a sold out, standing room only crowd. On this night, people were waiting in line for over two hours in order to get to the front of the stage. Others were walking by asking to buy a ticket from anyone who would sell it to them. One person offered three times what the ticket was worth and I still did not sell it to him! Another cool factor was the crowd, which was comprised of baby boomers, old hippies, teenagers, industry people, and a new generation of hippies. Apparently, this is one of the new trends in California and young hippies were everywhere.  Mini skirts, flowery prints, long boots, Beatle boots floppy hats, all very Bohemian! I loved it as it brought back many of my childhood memories. To see this generational divide was an acknowledgement that The Zombie’s music is in fact timeless!

The Zombie line-up includes Rod Argent, his Cousin Jim Rodford (formerly of the Kinks & Argent), his son Steve Rodford on drums and Tom Tooney on guitar. These are talented musicians, writers and singers. Rod Argent is an amazing keyboard player. His solo blistering acts bring the concertgoers to standing ovations. He has a resume that merits its own article. To describe his playing would do him injustice. You just had to be there.

Colin’s voice is amazing, good range, clean and is unique. His vocals are better than ever, strong, and polished. Jim, who I find humble, kind, patient and quiet in demeanor, is one of the best bassist I have ever heard. He could play sleeping and would not miss a note. He makes it look so easy which defines a great musician. Steve, the band’s drummer is a strong player. He is multi talented, fully versed in several instruments, writes, and juggles many personal outside projects. Everything is timing and Steve has that and more, so move over Ginger Baker. Then, there is Tom Tooney. I love the way his hands easily move freely over those guitar strings as if caressing his lover. I like his style, intensity and his interaction with the fans.

These great musicians have no diva, rock star behaviors. They love to perform their music and not necessarily for the money. As we know, session musicians and writers make more money and have more down time than touring musicians. When possible, the Zombies make themselves available for autographs and picture taking. Colin was telling me that the band greatly appreciates their fans. They want the fans to have fun, relax and enjoy the concerts. Colin said that initially the band members came out after every show to greet the fans. He said that he and Rod found themselves talking to fans for over two hours after the show. A routine like that is arduous and can take a toll on the band. Colin said they are considering random meet and greets to accommodate their fans. Of course, if a fan stops them on the way out of a gig they will gladly autograph a memento.

Colin mentioned that The Zombies continue to tour the U. S., Canada, Japan, Europe and the U. K. Their latest project was filming a video, their first, which was debuted recently in New York City. Do not fail to get their records because you will miss some great music of the times, past, present, and now! My take on The Zombies…they are as inventive as were the Beatles.
Zombies-NowI leave you with a quote from one of my friends, Rock Star, Todd Potter from the rock band, “The Bubble Puppy”, whose music can be heard on the new major motion picture film featuring Billy Bob Thorton. Todd was right in the middle of this 60’s timeless music.  He said, “The Zombie reunion has set the bar very high for sixties bands. The new recordings take their legend to an even higher level and they are true to the original music like no others. Here, here!”

For information on the official page of THE ZOMBIES on Facebook, type in The Zombies. Look for the site that has (musicians/band), as there are several, which are not officially sanctioned. Colin Blunstone has a personal website www.colinblunstone.co.uk.  Rod Argent has his own website rodargent.com. The official Zombie site is www.thezombies.net.

Drop me a line about the article: justforpost@hotmail.com.

 

Noé Benitez’s “Subele” Chosen for High School Marching Bands

NoeBenitezPhoto by Ramón Hernández

Songwriter-musician Noé A. Benitez recently teamed with a group of Tejano living legends to take Tejano music to high school students through “Subele,” a tune that he wrote and was commissioned to arrange for marching bands.

The tune, which was originally recorded by Hugo Guerrero and also featured Rubén Ramos, Vick Nash and Wild Bill Perkins, became a hit and is now being performed by over 25 marching bands across Texas.

As Benitez said, “One of my mentors as a music mentor, Eddie Galván, believed that to keep our kids out of the streets and out of trouble, we have to keep them in music programs in the school. So we are now trying to keep them further engaged by providing Tejano music for the school curriculum with something they can further relate to.”

“The ‘Subele’ marching band arrangement was commissioned by our publisher because some of my band director friends were requesting it to be performed as a ‘stand tune’ during this football season.”

“As a former music educator, I thought it would be a noble idea to take the opportunity to introduce more Tejano music into the curriculum.”

One of the reasons Benitez is so gun-ho about today’s students learning more about Tejano music is because he grew up as a member of a migrant working family, who each year traveled from Texas to California and they packed and took their vinyl records, cassettes and 8-track tapes everywhere they went. Most other Mexican American families that did the same thus came to consider Tejano music as the music of the working class.

Unfortunately new Tejano music lacks the same level of representation since Tejano seems to be overshadowed by highly accessible main stream music genres readily available due to present day technology and media.

“Times have changed and I feel like our youth does not get a fair chance to be introduced to our culture and music, much less maintain a tradition; and I figured that bringing Tejano music to the schools could be a way to reach out to our youth,” the saxophone playing lawyer continued.

“Having the arrangement in hand, it was easier to contact my band director friends and offer them the tune as a new song for marching bands to perform at halftime during this football season. So far I hear that the kids are really enjoying playing ‘Subele’ and to me, that gives me a sense of accomplishment in my mission to expand our youth’s horizons as to our music.”

To help Benitez in the accomplishment of his goal, Guerrero and Ramos have invited high school band members to join them onstage to get a taste of what it feels like to perform Tejano music. As an example, one can see René Garcia introduce members of the Rosenberg, Texas Mighty Mustang Band as they prepare to perform “La Pollera Colorá” with the Mexican Revolution at www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwLP6koeWOM.

The icing on the cake came when “Subele” was nominated as “Duo of The Year” at this year’s Tejano Music Awards.

Noé Benitez is at far rightWhile the former school band director considers himself and up and coming songwriter, the fact that Tejano Soul recorded eight of his compositions and he was just nominated for a Latin Grammy contradicts his most-humble opinion. The Latin Grammy nomination is for his work with children’s music artist, Lucky Díaz, of the Family Jam Band as the composer and produced of “Fantastico!.”

Now Benitez, who co-owns the Ben Mar Music publishing company, now formed his own production company and is writing brand new material for new up and coming Tejano talent.

“Tejano female vocalist Phoebe is recording one of my songs, as well as some of her original works, for a compact disc that is being produced by Hugo Guerrero; and there’re a couple more new artists, who have already recorded some of my compositions and that I will be promoting.”

 

For information on how to obtain his special musical arrangement of “Subele” for your school band, one may contact Benitez at (713) 820-0168 or e-mail him at noe_benitez1@yahoo.com.

 
Noé Benitez is at far right

It’s Grand Parent’s Day @ Pre-K for 4 SA

It’s Grand Parent’s Day @ Pre-K for 4 SA north side education center.

To see the excitement on your grandchild eyes: it’s priceless.

The simple act of making a hand print or reading a story makes their day. Looking around I saw nothing but smiles, not only on the kids, but the grand parents as well.

From my experience from my grandchild, learning to tell the difference of shapes to counting numbers. This was an opportunity to see firsthand, the wonderful way San Antonio newest program at work.  It’s giving our youngest a great head start on the road of education.

The money spent will pay large dividends in many ways.  Basically a better educated person makes a better community.

Thank you Mayor Julian Castro

And thank you San Antonio.

Story and pictures by: Joseph Martinez         River City Attractions