RiverCityAttractions
Vikki Carr to be Grand Marshall of the 62nd Annual Fiesta Flambeau Parade
Its official, Vikki Carr is this year’s Fiesta Flambeau Parade Grand Marshall.
The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Fogo De Chao Churrascaria inside the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel this Wednesday.
Trina Guevara, FFPA’s public relations director, started the ceremony by introducing KTSA’s Elizabeth Ruiz, who in turn announced Sunny Ozuna as this year’s Honorary Grand Marshall with a rousing introduction.
This year’s theme for the night parade is “Legends in Music” and Ozuna, leader singer of Sunny and the Sunliners, will have his own float in this parade in which the spotlight will highlight the rich artistry of music.
“And I have a surprise for everyone,” he said after reminding those in attendance, he is presently celebrating his fiftieth anniversary in show business this year.
“I have invited several other music living legends to ride in my float, but I’m not going to tell you who because that’s a surprise.”
Rumor has it his guests will probably be Rene Rene, Rudy Tee Gonzales, Joe Bravo and Jimmy Edward. Whether this is the case is anyone’s guess. It may one, two or three of them or other pioneer Tejano music icons.
Major corporate sponsor Time Warner Cable was represented by Gavino Ramos and Zabrina Spindler, who were also on hand to explain their company’s participation.
Tony Alvarado, FFPA’s president, had the distinct pleasure of introducing Carr. Then she surprised and thrilled a room full of radio, television and print media reporters when she made a grand entrance dancing with two Samba Vida dancers.
Carr looked fabulous. She was very relaxed and very entertaining as she spoke at length of her love for San Antonio, her husband, their children and their grandchildren.
Following her speech, Carr and Ozuna posed with FFPA First Lady, Sylvia Alvarado and the entire. Then she accommodated everyone by posing for individual pictures followed by interviews with Ruiz and Univision television.
A surprise celebrity, who showed up to visit with Carr, was Mexican actress and recording artist Rosalinda Risso, whose father, Salvador Ángel Risso, owned many palenques throughout the country and worked with Carr for many years.
Afterwards, most of the people in attendance stayed to enjoy tasty hors d’oeuvres or rushed back to their newsroom to write their story.
According to Alvarado, this year, 700,000 to one million people are expected to attend the Fiesta Flambeau Parade – the largest parade in the world — on Saturday, April 24.
Rosalinda Risso: San Antonio’s Newest Celebrity Reversed the Tables in China
Rosalinda Risso recently gave the Chinese people a taste of their own medicine.
While most products everyone in North American purchases read “Made in China” underneath the item, in China there is one product that states “Hecho En México” (Made in Mexico).
“That product is hundreds of DVDs produced by Proda Films,” Risso said during an interview at the Hispanic Entertainment Archives.
“In fact, our company was the first Latino Company to introduce Mexican movies in Hong Kong, where they took the most interest in those that featured masked wrestlers.
“The Hong Kong thing was entirely my idea and we made record breaking sales to movie distributors there. What initially attracted a lot of people to our booth at the April 2004 Hong Kong International Film Festival & Market (Filmart) is that my husband’s brother, Rogelio Agrasánchez López, took his collection of vintage collectable movie posters for exhibit in our space and this attracted customers like a magnet.”
The petite beauty is also among the many Mexican singers and actors that now make San Antonio their home. José David Agrasánchez is her ex-husband, who after their divorce kept Proda Films, which has a stock of over 7,000 titles.
RISSO’S EARLIEST INFLUENCES AND ENTRY INTO SHOW BUSINESS
Her father, Salvador Ángel Risso, owned palenques throughout Mexico so in addition to seeing the top stars of the day onstage; Risso would also see them at their own home when they would come over for fiestas and pachangas.
“De alli me salio la locura de ser artista. It was from growing up among Vicente Fernández, Daniela Rómo, Lupita D’Alessio, Lucha Villa and many more of Mexico’s greatest singers, that my father gave their first breaks to that this craziness to be a singer was born,” Risso said with a laugh.
The perfectionist then underwent vocal training under Francisco de Migueles in Mexico City and Christopher Robbins in the United States.
“I was 16 when I performed at a palenque for the first time. María de Lourdes and Ángelica María were with me and my mind went blank. I was terrified, but Ángelica signaled me to start again. The mariachi started the tune again and this time I was able to sing. I don’t remember, but I must have sung a Juan Gabriel song because that’s what I always covered.”
Next she found a producer named Rafaél, who told her he would record her. After Sergio Esquivel heard her, the 45 rpm single, which featured “El Principe” on Side 1 and “Cómo Se Cambia” on Side 2, was released on CBS in 1984. The record got heavy rotation plus airplay and became a hit. Shortly thereafter, fans formed the first Rosalinda Rossi Fan Club in Fresnillo, Zacatecas.
As for her stage name, the voluptuous vocalist took her paternal grandmother’s last name since Ángel is her father’s last name, not her middle name as many may think.
One thing led to another and Risso wound up in the movie industry as an actress. Yet it was really her sister, Patricia, who wanted to be an actress and never succeeded.
“I had a promising career ahead of me,” the 5-foot-1-inch tall curvaceous performer continued. “Unfortunately, I fell in love and married a movie producer, who turned out to be a very jealous husband; and although he wanted to help my acting career, he only gave me Cinderella parts. He was ultra controlling and read every script. So if there was a kissing scene, he made sure it was eliminated.
In 1979, Risso made her silver screen debut in “La Pistolera.” “El Secuestro de Camarena I and II” (1985) opposite Andrés García and Sasha Montenegro, plus “Muerte de el Federal de Caminones” (1987) came next followed by “Open Fire” (1988) opposite David Carradine, “La Muerte de Camarena” (1988) with Rosenda Bernal and “El Mil Hijos (1989). The latter three were with Julio César Agrasánchez.
Her popularity and fame grew; and next she appeared in “El Día de las Sirvientas” and “La Mafia Tiembla II,” both with David Reynoso and his two sons, Sergio and Jorge Reynoso.
In between movies, she entered the 1990s decade with “Camarena Vive” and in 1992, she sang “Mi Tierra Es” at El Festival de la Canción Ranchera placing fifth in a competition that included Rosenda Bernal, Julia Palma, Martín Urrieta and other established internationally known singers.
Then she worked at being a better thespian by studying actuing at the Van Mar Academy in Hollywood. Then adding another talent to her resume, Risso studied dancing under Ema Pulido at the Dupreé Academy, also in Tinseltown.
During the mid 1990s, starting with “La Quebradita,” she started producing her own films. She followed that up with “Cruce en Tijuana” with Fernando Sáenz, Rebecca Sílva, Patricia Rivera and Armando Silvestre. The latter two movies also featured Joe Estevez, who is Martin Sheen’s brother.
Her short acting career during which she had some good roles was short lived due to her marriage because as she says, “Ya casadita a su casita (Once married, you belong in your home). Se perdio el encanto (The enchantment is lost).
This union did however produce a son. “His name is Aldo Agrasánchez and he too likes acting and dancing,” Risso said with a mother’s pride.
MAKING SAN ANTONIO HER HOME
In regard to the reason, she left Mexico and moved to the Alamo City, the buxom powerhouse of energy said, “We’ve been coming here and Harlingen since the 1980s because my husband’s family is from here (Texas). Asi nacio mi amor por San Antonio. (That’s how my love for San Antonio was born.)
“In Mexico I lived in panic terrified of my son being kidnapped when he was outside playing or riding his bicycle. We had all kinds of close-circuit TV cameras, but I could not look at the monitors for fear of seeing someone pop up on the screen. And when we would come here and I saw my son riding his bike, playing safely and saw how happy he was, I suggested we buy a vacation home here.”
The deciding factor came after the Agrasanchez’s were assaulted four times in Mexico. It was then Risso and her son moved to their vacation home and enrolled him in school here.
To hone her vocal skills even further, here she studied voice under Cristina Ortega. She then joined the Hispanic Heritage Society and started singing in gala events honoring Armando Manzanero, Ángelica Mariá and Juan Gabriel. In addition new opportunities arose and one of those was being contracted to perform in Merida, Yucatan. As a consequence, many people started asking for her compact disc and she had none. So she produced and recorded a CD, which is now available at her Website.
Now Risso is a board member of the society, whose name she considers to be very potent and for which she has many plans and projects she intends to introduce.
Last month, Cynthia Muñoz of Muñoz Public Relations invited the epicurean songbird to participate as judge for the student mariachi musician’s competition as new doors seem to be opening for Risso. And as if she didn’t have enough on her plate, Risso says, “I also intent to get involved with Al Frakes’ SAF Studios and bring some Mexican film projects to San Antonio.
“In addition, I want to educate Hispanic youth on their roots so they can feel proud to be Latino.”
Taking action in regard to this, the Hispanic Heritage Society is presenting “Bolero,” which features tunes by singers and songwriters such as José José, Vikki Carr, Juan Gabriel, Luis Miguel, Armando Manzanero, Rocío Dúrcal, Marco Antonio Solís, Camilio Sesto, Mocedades, María Grever and Los Panchos.
These great hit tunes will be interpreted by Nataly Peña, Emanuel Zapata and Héctor Hernández, who are collectively known as Voces de San Antonio. In addition, this gala evening includes a special appearance by Risso.
In addition, there’s the young voices of María Isabel León and César de la Cruz; ballroom dancers Jack and Verónica. Jorge Infante did all the musical arrangement and Cristina Ortega is the artistic director.
This great musical review will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, February 27 at the San Antonio Playhouse Russell Hill Rogers Theater. For more information call (210) 822-3247 or go to www.hispanicheritagesociety.org. For more photos of San Antonio’s newest celebrity import, check out www.rosalindarisso.com.
Against All Odds: Five Latinas obtain degrees in honor of their father
By Araceli Cardenas
This is an open letter to my father, Lazaro Cardenas.
During graduation, there’s always one story or personal journey that encompasses the effort and sacrifice of what graduating with a degree truly represents. It’s never easy because earning a degree requires discipline, courage, perseverance, hard-work, determination and commitment. In some cases, it takes one special person to go beyond the classroom and inspire you to finish against all odds!
This is the case of my father, whose love and guidance inspired his five daughters to earn a degree. Here’s our story!
My youngest sister Nancy graduated from the University of Texas at Brownsville with a Bachelor’s degree in Human & Health Performance on December 19th, 2009. Her accomplishment fulfils my father’s desire and dream to see her graduate in a small town where greater importance was given to raising a family, service to others and devotion to religion versus the pursuit of personal accomplishment and higher education. All equally important however prioritized differently growing up in a traditional home where Eulalia, my mother’s strong Mexican roots governed how her five daughters would be raised.
What makes Nancy’s accomplishment remarkable is that prior to this day my father had witnessed the beginning of his dream come true when he quietly cheered and encouraged his four other daughters to do the same. He did so, leading by example. My father was able to obtain his own law degree from Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law when Latino students were few and far between. He always felt that his own accomplishment was in large part because of his service in the U.S. Air Force, which in turn had given him the financial assistance to attend; and his own father, who felt that the only way out of seasonal migrant work was a degree. So early on, my father allowed my mother to do her part while he secretly pushed and stressed the importance of higher education by guiding each one of his daughters to attend and cross the finish line with a degree.
My father felt this was the only way to succeed in America! So we did, even though there were times when each one of us wanted to quit; we knew that the idea of “throwing in the towel” would be unacceptable. This included my older sisters who juggled their family and job responsibilities in order to find the time to finish what they had started.
Unfortunately, parents are never awarded for their efforts nor are they recognized at any special ceremony. Instead, they watch from a distance with pride as their son or daughter is rewarded. And, they’re hoping that along the way, they did everything they could to help.
So today, on Nancy’s graduation, I’d like to first congratulate my little sister who has the honor to be the last one to make my father’s dream come true. Congratulations Nancy your hard work truly paid off! We’re extremely proud of you. You went on to finish when most would have abandoned the course due to the many times life threw you off course! Not only did you finish, you finished strong by making the Dean’s List! You can’t imagine how proud we all are!
And secondly, I’d like to applaud my father’s leadership who on graduation day will be watching from up above and will feel that his personal sacrifice to guide his family to victory was well worth it!
Dad, you can finally rest in peace, Nancy has carried your torch to the finish line! She fulfilled your dream to have your five daughters all have a degree! You’re the reason we finished. You’re the person behind the degrees — three Masters and two Bachelors. You’re the one whose love and guidance helped each one of us! So on this day, if we could find a way to thank you for the many nights you kept us company while we studied or the many times you helped us understand what we were studying especially when it came to politics and government, or when you bought us every possible book and study aid to help us pass subjects like biology or math.
On this very special day, we the Cardenas Sisters proudly dedicate our degrees that bear your last name in your loving memory. Words only scratch the surface of how much we love and miss you!
Love, your daughters, Adelaida, Alma, Martha, Araceli and Nancy
Latino Celebrity Deaths in 2009
No one wants to die. However, it is one of the certainties in life and no one, no matter how rich, famous and healthy they are, will escape death. Last year, fans mourned the passing of over fifteen Latino celebrities.
Of course Micheal Jackson, Fawah Fawett and other world famous luminaries got all the press, while Hispanic deaths went virtually unreported and in some cases without even an obituary or a mere mention.
The most blatant offensive recent obvious oversight of Hispanics was the total omission of not even one Latino character in the movie, 2012. Does that mean Americans of Mexican, Cuban or Puerto Rican descent won’t be around in two years? It made this writer with a vociferous cry of protest clamoring to know why?
Not much has changed since the 1940s and 50s, discrimination still exists, but it is now subtle. Sadder yet, even Latino publications are guilty of this inadvertent error, so here for our reader is a selected list of Hispanics celebrities who passed on in 2009, plus Sandro, who died hours before this edition of Street Talk Magazine went to press.
JANUARY 6: Musician and publisher of El Placazo, Manuel “Manny” Castillo Jr., also barrio activist and founder of the San Anto Cultural Art center and the man mainly responsible for the “Gateway to the Westside” W. Commerce Street mural lost his fight with cancer. The mural pays tribute to deceased vocalists such as Lydia Mendoza, Eva Garza, Valerio Longoria, Randy Gariby plus many other musicians. He was 40.
JANUARY 14: Internationally known actor/singer/dancer and founder of the Nosotros Foundation Ricardo Montalban died of complications from congestive heart failure. This writer last saw Montalban at St. Victor Catholic Church in Los Angeles two weeks prior to his death. He was 88.
APRIL 1: Mexican singer/actor Pedro Infante (Torrentera) Jr., son of Pedro Infante (Cruz), died in Los Angeles due to pneumonia. He was 59.
JULY 15: Conjunto singer/songwriter Lucha Nieto died in San Antonio. She was 79.
AUGUST 16: Carlos Ocaranza a.k.a. “El Loco Elizalde,” as his cousin Valentín Elizalde, was assassinated after finishing a concert in Guadalajara, Mexico. He was 32.
OCTOBER 11: Panamanian singer/songwriter/Christian evangelist Basilio Antonio Fergus Alexander, who was simply known as Basilio and was very popular during the 1970s and ‘80s, died at his home in Miami due to bronchopneumonia. He was 62.
OCTOBER 13: Al Martino, best known for his version of “Spanish Eyes,” died a sudden death at his childhood home in Springfield, PA. He was 82.
OCTOBER 17: Pastor Freddie García, author of the best-selling book, “Outcry in the Barrio,” and national renowned minister, who received a national Achievement Against the Odds award at the White House, died due to kidney problems. He was 71.
OCTOBER 20: Brazilian/Italian songwriter Alberto Testa, best known for “Quando, Quando, Quando,” died in Rome, Italy. He was 82.
NOVEMBER 4: Mexican singer/actor Jorge Vargas died after being operated for colon cancer that was detected one month prior. He was 68. His ex-wife, Lupita D”Alessio said his death was actually due to bacteria contacted following the operation which prevented him from responding to treatment.
NOVEMBER 14: Guillermo “Memo” Lozano, a pioneer Spanish-language announcer and voice-over talent in television and radio, who was rather to as a rarity and “secret weapon” in voice ads by the Wall Street Journal, died of complications after open heart surgery. He was 78.
NOVEMBER 20: Bajo sexto player Louis Ayala Gonzales a.k.a. “El Carabinero” died of congestive heart failure in San Antonio. He was 73.
DECEMBER 7: Carlos Lico died of cancer in Mexico City. He was 76.
DECEMBER 10: Argentine protest singer Mercedes Sosa died of kidney disease. She was 74.
DECEMBER 15: Legendary bajo sexto maker Alberto V. Macias died in San Antonio. He was 72.
DECEMBER 27: Emilio Aguilar of Los Aguilares died due to complications of Alzheimer’s disease. He was 70. Los Aguilares 50th Anniversary Dance scheduled for Saturday, January 16 at Randy’s Ballroom will go on as scheduled. “That’s what dad would have wanted,” said Miguel Ángel Aguilar, Emilio’s son.
JANUARY 4, 2010: Singer/actor Roberto Sánchez, known artistically as Sandro “El Gitano,” and considered to be the Argentine Elvis. In need of both a lung and heart transplant, he ran out of time and died of pulmonary emphysema. He was 64.
The Gateway to San Antonio’s Westside
East Los Angeles has an arch as one enters the “Brown Kingdom” via Whittier Boulevard. Here the barrio is spelled “varrio” and arch is a symbol of pride for the unincorporated area of East LA, which welcomes its residents as well as visitors.
Now the Gateway to San Antonio’s Westside via West Commerce Street too has its own impressive entrance. And it’s all due thanks to the late Manuel “Manny” Diosdado Castillo Jr., David Blancas, several businesses, corporations, organization and countless other participants.
The eye-catching new landmark — made possible by the San Anto Cultural Arts Community Mural/Public Art Program and Janis Wagley — is a mural titled “La Música de San Anto.”
It all started when Wagley, who owns Fast Action Bail Bonds, thought it would be nice to have a colorful mural of bluebonnets, the Alamo plus more artwork that depicted Texas; and in talking to several artists, Manny convinced her to feature a wall full of San Antonio musicians.
This writer/musicologist’s only critic is that they neglected to include Gloria Ríos, who as Eva Garza, also lived in the Alazan-Apache Courts and moved to Mexico, where Ríos introduced rock and roll to our South of the Border neighbor in 1955. She also became a famous movie star and married Adalberto “Resortes” Martínez Chávez.
There is a mural on the side of a building at the corner of Colorado and Buena Vista streets that features a female vocalist resembling Gloria Rios and it may be her. However, she is not identified. And before anyone else starts complaining about being left out, it must be noted that every artist featured on this impressive and moving mural has passed on and this is a posthumous honor.
Among those in attendance at the mural’s dedication were Randy Garibay’s brothers Isidro “Izzy” and Ernie; also his son Randy G. Jr. plus Randy’s first wife Cecilia Cortez and his widow Virginia Schramm Garibay. Lydia Mendoza’s daughter Yolanda, her husband Fernando Hernández and their two children, Anna and Rogelio were also present; as well as Jessamy, their granddaughter plus Manny’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Castillo Sr.
Photographer Jesse Lara and Efrain Gutiérrez, considered to be the first Chicano film maker was on hand to document the event in high definition.
Congratulations and big “thank you” to all sponsors plus all the volunteers who made this historical mural a reality; and may there be more “Música de San Anto” murals to follow.
In closing, here’s some food for thought in the way of a new project. What about a mural featuring the Royal Jesters, Rudy Tee and the Reno Bops and Dimas Garza of the Lyrics, whom all went to Lanier High School?
The ideal location for this one would be the side of a building coming off the Guadalupe Street bridge from downtown. Besides, the bridge leads right into the former site of the Alazan-Apache Courts and is near Lanier High School. Another thing, they could add to the mural is the Maya and Progresso movie theaters.
It could also include Sunny Ozuna of the Sunliners, Rene Ornelas of Rene and Rene, Arturo “Sauce” González, Spot Barnett, Jimmy Edward, Little Henry, Joe Posada, Louie Bustos and Al Gómez to name a few since all are exponents of the “Westside Sound.”
Paying tribute to San Anto’s women, Rita Vidaurri, Beatriz Llamas plus Emma Hernández, who sang with the Emilio Caceres Orchestra; and leading up to Patsy Torres, Lisa López and Shelly Lares could be the subject of another project.
The list goes on and on, but in reality, one wall would not suffice. So on the positive side, perhaps this will induce and motive someone with a building off the Guadalupe Street Bridge to provide the San Antonio Cultural Arts program with a wall to paint another mural. And it does not have to stop there since someone can also create something artistic as a “Gateway to San Antonio’s Southside.”
Meanwhile, the Alamo City now has a new tourist attraction and source of pride for el barrio del Westside.
Gifted Teens’ Radio Ministry Aimed at Saving Youth
no images were found
Can you image a radio station with 100 percent of its programming specifically aimed at kids?
Well wonder no more because it is a reality at Radio Air Jesus where half a dozen teenagers between the ages of 13 to 16 from the Church of Acts are the panelists, hosts and radio personalities.
It is truly amazing to see Azariah Peña, Pete Garza III, Isabella Simmons, Yvette Gutiérrez, Madie López and Gabby Taylor in action when each Sunday, they interview a different Christian music recording artist. Best of all, one is not only able to hear, but to watch the actual interview through a live video feed on their Website.
The interviews and panel discussions, which include the artist’s testimony, are then archived and can be heard anytime at www.radioairjesus.com.
Radio Air Jesus, the brainchild of Alice and Pete Garza Jr., was launched on February 2, 2009.
“The reason was because one hears a lot of negative stuff about what the youth is doing and we wanted to turn that around,” Pete Jr. said. “The world is out there watching television reality shows and kids are viewing Websites that even teach you how to commit suicide and these are the normal thing that teenagers are being exposed to, so we’re using radio ministry as a tool to reach kids.”
When the Garza’s approached Pastor Robert Peña with the idea, he and his wife Ronnie prayed about it; and when Pastor Peña said, “I believe it’s got to be done for the kids,” it was his go ahead and they forged ahead with God’s blessing.
“Every single piece of high grade equipment we have, including the sound board, was given to us. People donated money, some sponsored microphones, speakers, cables and even our air time is already paid for,” said Pete Jr., who also doubles as program director.
If this radio station operated on an AM or FM frequency, this writer would have not have asked them for their wattage since it is obvious they are operating with the power of God because these kids are changing lives and that’s pretty powerful.
Everything they do is to glorify God and since kids will not normally listen to their parents or another adult, youths will listen to other youths and this makes RAJ real for them.
“That’s actually what we are doing,” Azariah added.
“The immediate lure to get kids to listen is great rap; Tejano and hip hop music by national and independent Christian artists.
The radio’s slogan, “Real Teens with Real Testimonies,” coined by Azariah, says it all.
“It’s a great way for the kids to minister,” Garza continued.
Their weekly interviews are not limited to recording artists, but also with other teenagers. As an example, one of their upcoming panel discussions will be with a group of Southwest High School students, a teacher and an administrator that worship inside the classroom and help youth deal with depression and other problems. This is unique, especially in this time of trouble between State and Church.
The only adults normally present at the interviews are Richard López, who assists Pete Jr. video tape the proceedings plus Sandra Peña, the youth pastor and youth leaders Sonia López, Sylvia Mendoza and Alice Garza. To keep the kids from getting nervous, Pastor Peña, logs on, listens and watches from his home.
These interviews are conducted each Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and receive hits from over 19 different countries averaging thousands upon thousands of listeners.
What is most impressive is watching these kids in action because they are on fire for the Lord. When they formed a circle to pray before going on the air, this writer was in awe listening to a five-minute prayer that put his daily prayers to shame for these kids are powerful prayer warriors. However, not everyone was necessarily quiet. Each one reacted differently. Some sang and some closed their eyes as though in a trance and this writer could understand as he felt so peaceful, tranquil and serene as their words produced a calm soothing effect that no drug could possibly induce. In summary, it was a heavenly feeling.
“That everything we say and do will glorify your name and reach lost souls” were some of the words as they asked God for guidance in their pending interview with Laura J, the gospel singer that had stopped by before she departed for Italy.
Each interview is preceded with a mini concert by the artist, dimmed lighting, strobe lights and all. Needless to say Laura J wowed everyone and at the end of her performance, the kids stomped, yelled, clapped and cheered as any normal teenager.
Part of Laura J’s testimony dealt with her being molested and as a result, she didn’t feel wanted and did not allow herself to be loved or feel affection – until she gave her life to our Lord and Savior.
“One day I looked in the mirror and I didn’t see myself as who I was, but as how God wanted me to be … I was a little girl that grew up battered and torn; and I saw things she shouldn’t have with seen with little eyes … Now I’m a kid at heart because that part of me was suppressed for such a long time,” a teary-eyed Laura J testified.
Next Azariah started the line of questioning as he grilled her with a series of profound personal questions. His feet could not touch the floor, but his questions were those of a full-grown educated adult as he often referred to his notes, which indicated that he had studied his subject in advance.
The intelligence, wisdom, understanding and tactfulness with which he and some of the other teenage panelists approached touchy subjects with made one feel as though they were watching tomorrow’s next national news reporters and anchors.
In regard to songwriters, Laura J said, “People that write songs are accountable for what they write because they are a vehicle since their songs can create a certain mood and attitude. They can inspire you to love, to clean house or to drive. Music, no matter what genre it is, has a power and if it’s satanic, that’s giving Satan power; and we don’t want to do that.”
At the end of the interview, Laura J said, “I felt so blessed to be in these kids presence and I was elated to see youth on fire for God.
After it was over and the microphones were turned off, everyone joined hands in closing prayer, but it wasn’t over for Laura J as Azariah told her of the vision he had upon seeing her enter the room. Others gave testimony of what they also saw. Then there was a healing led by Sonia López.
Other artists that have been interviewed on RAJ are Into the Ocean, Javier Galván, P.O.E.T.I.C Soulja, María Elena, Dre L.O.C. and Man of Sorrows.
As to what Radio Air Jesus still plans to do in addition to saving souls via the World Wide Web, Pete Jr. said, “We want to do local remotes and take RAJ under the bridges and other places. Image these youth going into a mall where other youth is doing regular things when they are approached and our youth starts to share their visions of them and prophesize words, as ‘last night I saw you …’ and then conduct some healing and miracles. This is supernatural stuff, but it’s needed because teenagers are not trying to hear. They want demonstration. Our youth are crusaders of exploits. They are brothers in ministry and Radio Jesus is going to be there to film and tape it.
“The Lord has chosen Azariah, who last month healed a lady of cancer.”
Incidently Azariah mean “Yahweh has helped” or “whom Jehovah helps.” Photos of these healing can be seen on their fan page at www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Radio-Air-Jesus/156949156153?ref=ts. In addition Azaraih and Yvette are both in the church’s choir where she sings and he plays keyboards.
Pete Junior’s father is Pete Garza, the legendary bass player for Latin Breed and he was there when six band members, who included Rudy Guerra and Jimmy Edward, gave their life to the Lord in 1974. Today, he plays bass for Roger Velásquez and the Latin Legends, who are essential Latin Breed.
Pete Jr. is a graphics artist and professional web designer for www.pgwebs.com. Their homepage reads in part, “We are here for your everyday web design needs, if you can dream it we can make it happen. We offer the best prices locally on web design and we can service you no matter where you are located. He is also the Webmaster for RAJ.
Anyone that does not believe in miracles should go to www.myspace.com/radioairjesus and see the video of a lady with a prosthetic leg. The kids also twitter at www.twitter.com/radioairjesus. And if anyone is having trouble with their teenage son or daughter, have them listen to any of the testimonies at Story and photos by Ramón Hernández
Can you image a radio station with 100 percent of its programming specifically aimed at kids?
Well wonder no more because it is a reality at Radio Air Jesus where half a dozen teenagers between the ages of 13 to 16 from the Church of Acts are the panelists, hosts and radio personalities.
It is truly amazing to see Azariah Peña, Pete Garza III, Isabella Simmons, Yvette Gutiérrez, Madie López and Gabby Taylor in action when each Sunday, they interview a different Christian music recording artists. Best of all, one is not only able to hear, but to watch the actual interview through a live video feed on their Website.
The interviews and panel discussions, which include the artist’s testimony, are then archived and can be heard anytime at www.radioairjesus.com.
Radio Air Jesus, the brainchild of Alice and Pete Garza Jr., was launched on February 2, 2009.
“The reason was because one hears a lot of negative stuff about what the youth is doing and we wanted to turn that around,” Pete Jr. said. “The world is out there watching television reality shows and kids are viewing Websites that even teach you how to commit suicide and these are the normal thing that teenagers are being exposed to, so we’re using radio ministry as a tool to reach kids.”
When the Garza’s approached Pastor Robert Peña with the idea, he and his wife Ronnie prayed about it; and when Pastor Peña said, “I believe it’s got to be done for the kids,” it was his go ahead and they forged ahead with God’s blessing.
“Every single piece of high grade equipment we have, including the sound board, was given to us. People donated money, some sponsored microphones, speakers, cables and even our air time is already paid for,” said Pete Jr., who also doubles as program director.
If this radio station operated on an AM or FM frequency, this writer would have not have asked them for their wattage since it is obvious they are operating with the power of God because these kids are changing lives and that’s pretty powerful.
Everything they do is to glorify God and since kids will not normally listen to their parents or another adult, youths will listen to other youths and this makes RAJ real for them.
“That’s actually what we are doing,” Azariah added.
“The immediate lure to get kids to listen is great rap; Tejano and hip hop music by national and independent Christian artists.
The radio’s slogan, “Real Teens with Real Testimonies,” coined by Azariah, says it all.
“It’s a great way for the kids to minister,” Garza continued.
Their weekly interviews are not limited to recording artists, but also with other teenagers. As an example, one of their upcoming panel discussions will be with a group of Southwest High School students, a teacher and an administrator that worship inside the classroom and help youth deal with depression and other problems. This is unique, especially in this time of trouble between State and Church.
The only adults normally present at the interviews are Richard López, who assists Pete Jr. video tape the proceedings plus Sandra Peña, the youth pastor and youth leaders Sonia López, Sylvia Mendoza and Alice Garza. To keep the kids from getting nervous, Pastor Peña, logs on, listens and watches from his home.
These interviews are conducted each Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and receive hits from over 19 different countries averaging thousands upon thousands of listeners.
What is most impressive is watching these kids in action because they are on fire for the Lord. When they formed a circle to pray before going on the air, this writer was in awe listening to a five-minute prayer that put his daily prayers to shame for these kids are powerful prayer warriors. However, not everyone was necessarily quiet. Each one reacted differently. Some sang and some closed their eyes as though in a trance and this writer could understand as he felt so peaceful, tranquil and serene as their words produced a calm soothing effect that no drug could possibly induce. In summary, it was a heavenly feeling.
“That everything we say and do will glorify your name and reach lost souls” were some of the words as they asked God for guidance in their pending interview with Laura J, the gospel singer that had stopped by before she departed for Italy.
Each interview is preceded with a mini concert by the artist, dimmed lighting, strobe lights and all. Needless to say Laura J wowed everyone and at the end of her performance, the kids stomped, yelled, clapped and cheered as any normal teenager.
Part of Laura J’s testimony dealt with her being molested and as a result, she didn’t feel wanted and did not allow herself to be loved or feel affection – until she gave her life to our Lord and Savior.
“One day I looked in the mirror and I didn’t see myself as who I was, but as how God wanted me to be … I was a little girl that grew up battered and torn; and I saw things she shouldn’t have with seen with little eyes … Now I’m a kid at heart because that part of me was suppressed for such a long time,” a teary-eyed Laura J testified.
Next Azariah started the line of questioning as he grilled her with a series of profound personal questions. His feet could not touch the floor, but his questions were those of a full-grown educated adult as he often referred to his notes, which indicated that he had studied his subject in advance.
The intelligence, wisdom, understanding and tactfulness with which he and some of the other teenage panelists approached touchy subjects with made one feel as though they were watching tomorrow’s next national news reporters and anchors.
In regard to songwriters, Laura J said, “People that write songs are accountable for what they write because they are a vehicle since their songs can create a certain mood and attitude. They can inspire you to love, to clean house or to drive. Music, no matter what genre it is, has a power and if it’s satanic, that’s giving Satan power; and we don’t want to do that.”
At the end of the interview, Laura J said, “I felt so blessed to be in these kids presence and I was elated to see youth on fire for God.
After it was over and the microphones were turned off, everyone joined hands in closing prayer, but it wasn’t over for Laura J as Azariah told her of the vision he had upon seeing her enter the room. Others gave testimony of what they also saw. Then there was a healing led by Sonia López.
Other artists that have been interviewed on RAJ are Into the Ocean, Javier Galván, P.O.E.T.I.C Soulja, María Elena, Dre L.O.C. and Man of Sorrows.
As to what Radio Air Jesus still plans to do in addition to saving souls via the World Wide Web, Pete Jr. said, “We want to do local remotes and take RAJ under the bridges and other places. Image these youth going into a mall where other youth is doing regular things when they are approached and our youth starts to share their visions of them and prophesize words, as ‘last night I saw you …’ and then conduct some healing and miracles. This is supernatural stuff, but it’s needed because teenagers are not trying to hear. They want demonstration. Our youth are crusaders of exploits. They are brothers in ministry and Radio Jesus is going to be there to film and tape it.
“The Lord has chosen Azariah, who last month healed a lady of cancer.”
Incidently Azariah mean “Yahweh has helped” or “whom Jehovah helps.” Photos of these healing can be seen on their fan page at www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Radio-Air-Jesus/156949156153?ref=ts. In addition Azaraih and Yvette are both in the church’s choir where she sings and he plays keyboards.
Pete Junior’s father is Pete Garza, the legendary bass player for Latin Breed and he was there when six band members, who included Rudy Guerra and Jimmy Edward, gave their life to the Lord in 1974. Today, he plays bass for Roger Velásquez and the Latin Legends, who are essential Latin Breed.
Pete Jr. is a graphics artist and professional web designer for www.pgwebs.com. Their homepage reads in part, “We are here for your everyday web design needs, if you can dream it we can make it happen. We offer the best prices locally on web design and we can service you no matter where you are located. He is also the Webmaster for RAJ.
Anyone that does not believe in miracles should go to www.myspace.com/radioairjesus and see the video of a lady with a prosthetic leg. The kids also twitter at www.twitter.com/radioairjesus. And if anyone is having trouble with their teenage son or daughter, have them listen to any of the testimonies at www.radioairjesus.com.
Incidentally Pastor Peña’s brother is Henry of Henry and the Casuals and 60s Tejano Radio Station KUKA and he is involved with the audio portion of each Sunday’s service.
In closing, everyone is invited to attend the 11 a.m. worship service at Church of Acts at 9965 Kriewald Rd. For more information call (210) 674-4757 or e-mail them at churchofacts.sa@gmail.com. .
Incidentally Pastor Peña’s brother is Henry of Henry and the Casuals and 60s Tejano Radio Station KUKA and he is involved with the audio portion of each Sunday’s service.
In closing, everyone is invited to attend the 11 a.m. worship service at Church of Acts at 9965 Kriewald Rd. For more information call (210) 674-4757 or e-mail them at churchofacts.sa@gmail.com.
Linda Escobar Sheds her Shirley Temple Image
For years, Linda Escobar had been unable to shake off “The Little Princess” image.
“That’s because I began my musical career singing “Frijolitos Pintos,” at the tender age of seven,” the statuesque songbird said during an interview that began at the Hispanic Entertainment Archives and ended at Gilbert’s Restaurant where she was accompanied by Lydia Herrera, who with her husband Henry, owned Benny’s BarBQ in Corpus Christi.
After the 1960 Cometa Records hit, six more tunes, including “Colorcito de Sandia” were included in her father, Eligio Escobar’s Bernal BELP 2006 long-play album. It about during this period Beatriz Llamas would babysit Escobar when her father was onstage. Then, in what seemed to be the blink of an eye, El Gordo Delgado had the then 11-year-old Alice, Texas native booked at the Hollywood Palladium and on tour with José Alfredo Jiménez, Lucha Villa, Resortes and The Dinos, than featuring Bobby Lira and Serafino Perales.
Years passed and at the end of the last century she fell in love with Kenji “El Gato” Katsube.
“We’re like rice and beans,” the Escobar Records recording artist said during that period. “He’s the rice and I’m the beans” referring to the Japanese being known for eating rice and Mexicans for eating beans. “And our children will probably be frijolitos pintos.
Her father had prophesized this during her youth and she even wound up going to the Land of the Rising Sun, where they performed at Al Sur De La Frontera in Osaka, Japan. During that winter trip, Katsube took her to a hot springs and as she remembers, “I had a hard time finding a bathing suit because their women are so tiny.”
They wrote their own wedding rites, Tony De La Rosa had agreed to perform at their wedding and all the padrinos were already chosen when Katsube was diagnosed with cancer and he succumbed to the fatal disease on May 16, 2003. The next year, she wrote and released “Llorando En Silencio,” which features an enigmatic piece of artwork for the cover. She followed that up with four more productions on her own label.
Today, after suffering great tragedy, her life-long fans look at the grandmother of four and still see the stereotype of that little girl they saw grow before their very eyes.
“I was always very conservative,” the 5-feet-8-inch tall songstress said. “I wouldn’t do anything out of the norm, but that was the rancherona in me. Besides, I am truly shy when it comes to dressing in a revealing way.
“It was Chente Barrera who wanted for the other side of me to come out. He wanted me to come out of the cage, be more assertive, stand my ground, not take any crap from anyone and to show what I’ve got because, as Shirley Temple, I was a child star and everyone stayed with that image.
“I never had a chance to come out,” Escobar added.
That was the basis and concept for “Leona Enjablada” (“The Caged Lioness”) to free that pent up spirit. As we listened to each song, La Diva de la Canción offered a brief synopsis of each tune.
In the Barrera penned “Quedate Tranquilo,” she is telling her former beau, “Don’t worry because I’m out of your life.”
“I did ‘La Monja’ because I like to include a corridor in every CD and it’s my favorite Mingo Saldivar song,” Escobar explained.
She recorded Chelo Sílva’s torchy “¿Sabes De Qué Tengo Ganas?” with the same original arrangement in what probably is the best tune in this album.
After seducing her listeners with the aforementioned sensuous number, she turns around and throws darts at all men with “Hombres Malvados,” a tune made famous by Paquita la del Barrio.
Then there’s “Colorcito de Sandia,” which is a flashback to the past – 41 years to be exact. She recorded the Christian-oriented “Tango Lento” to remind fans of God. And the closing tune, “Stonewall Jackson Blues,” by Rosa Canales Pérez, is a rocking bilingual tune that should garner some airplay on English-language radio stations.
Needless to say, the very youthful-looking, shapely warbler was a big hit at this year’s Tejano Music Festival during which she brought Kenji’s squeezebox and bajo sexto player, Noriyoshi “Honorio” Imamura, a former member of Kasube’s group and now leader of Conjunto J, did Escobar the honor of playing Kenji’s accordion and singing a couple of duets with the diva.
For more information on the 2003 Tejano Roots Hall of Fame inductee, go to www.myspace.com/lindaescobarysuconjunto.
Little Joe: “I’m diabetic. Are you?”
When Little Joe believes in an organization, he does not hesitate to become a crusader, advocator and spokesperson for their cause.
This time he stepped up to the plate and is going to bat for the Social and Health Research Center’s diabetes prevention programs.
In the process, he is also not afraid to disclose what other entertainers might withhold from their fans due to fear of losing their status.
“I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes,” the Tejano music mega star revealed via a telephone interview from his home in Temple, Texas.
“It didn’t shock me, but for a month or two I was embarrassed to admit it, but what the hell, this is not worse than people with worse conditions.
“For years, different doctors kept telling me that I needed to bring down my blood sugar levels because I was border line, but that was it. They never told me what I needed to do to control it.
This was a surprise to those that know the living legend who has been a vegetarian twenty years, jogged, did yoga, worked with weighs and lived an overall healthy lifestyle until he kicked back and got a little lax. As for his family, his sister Carolyn has diabetes and his brother Antonio “Top” Hernández died from the disease at 78.
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. And Little Joe found out during one of his routine bi-yearly blood tests.
“After I was told I was diabetic and was scheduled for a class, I found out Type II diabetes is real prevalent with children seven, eight and nine and I got real concerned since I love children.”
Little Joe, who turned 69 on October 17, has three sons, one daughter, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
“Why didn’t they tell me all this before?” he said. “After the class and after reading “Sixteen Myths of Diabetes,” a book my daughter Christie bought for me, it became a challenge for me. Then by eating proper portions and being more active, my triglycerides, my cholesterol, my high blood pressure and my blood sugar levels all got better, but getting the number controlled is an ongoing thing.
“The diabetes thing became something personal and when José Gallegos, who has been after me to be recognized for my 50 plus years in the business with a gala, brought it up again. I told him I would do it in one condition, that it benefited one organization in order to make a positive out of it.
“That right,” Gallegos added. “He being the humble person he is, said, ‘it’s not about me, I want to do something that is going to impact the growing epidemic that affects the Hispanic community.’ With that in mind, I introduced him to Dr. Roberto Treviño.
“He gave me his book, ‘The Forgotten Children,’ I read it and I knew I wanted to get involved to prevent diabetes, especially in children,” the King of the Brown sound said. “So I made a commitment to raise $100,000 and that’s not an easy thing to do. However, there are people in three different states that want to start Little Joe diabetes prevention chapters. So it’s a national campaign and I will raise that money and more later on.
“The money is important to get the message out, to make people aware,” Little Joe continued. “That’s what triggered this off, when I realized my diabetes could have been prevented had I been informed; and we should all have this information. So you can say that I’ve embarked on a children’s crusade I hope to lead until the day I die – to help the families that are already diabetic and avoid children from becoming diabetic.
Gallegos, now the national grassroots campaign director of the Little Joe Diabetes and Obesity Prevention, said, “Our mission is to battle this deadly disease through education and awareness to promote salud y bienestar de mi familia para su familia (health and well being from our family to your family).
“You know? Every Hispanic has a family member or friend who has diabetes and as a result is on insulin, is on dialysis, has lost a limb or has died, so Little Joe’s organization is an army waging a war to win the battle to stop diabetes.”
Their plan of attack includes media interviews, billboards, flyers and Little Joe speaking out on this subject, at all public appearances.
“I already came up with the slogan of ‘While we can’t do everything, let’s do everything we can’ and I’m also on the point of writing a little book which I’m titling ‘I’m diabetic! Are you?’ Little Joe said with great passion.
“I’m even carrying my personal fight on tee shirts bearing the title of the book because I want all the diabetics to come out and started getting treated. If I’m on a crusade, it’s because that’s the way I was raised – to do for mi raza.”
In regard to health related causes, Little Joe has previously done fund raisers for kidney, heart and cancer organizations, but this is the first health issue, he can personally relate to.
Most recently, the multi-Grammy Awarding winning vocalist risked his career to fight for a cause such as Vive Tejano, which was founded by Frank Fuentes and Rubén Cubillos.
The King of the Brown Sound stuck out his neck to protest the narrow mindedness of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for its devaluation of Tejano music, its culture and its people by taking Tejano music off the main stage. He headlined numerous protest rallies and parades for this organization and the Go Tejano Committee without losing any popularity.
Thirty three years ago, when La Raza Unida was in the process of being destroyed with negative publicity and concerned members asked themselves, “How can we get people to listen again? How can he regain their trust? How can we regain our creditability?” Almost magically, Little Joe and Johnny walked into the room full of LRU members to offer their help.
The issues the then radical King of the Brown Sound associated with were not the issues that everybody wanted to associate with because of the risk to their careers. Nobody wanted to come out and say ‘what can I do?’ until Little Joe came forward.
Then, since his dances drew up to 10,000 people, he allowed organizers to take center stage and address the audience between sets.
So no, the Grammy Award winning vocalist’s stand on diabetes is not his first crusade; and it will probably not be his last either.
On the entertainment side, his latest compact disc – “Live, A Night of Classics in El Chuco” – is selling like hot cakes and is receiving rave reviews.
El Chuco is a casino in El Paso and Little Joe says this is probably “because the people have been asking for those songs for some many years.”
With the exception of “Redneck Meskin’ Boy,” most of his 1960s hits were monaural, recorded in one, two and four-tracks and lack today’s quality. Therefore this production was dream come true for true audiophiles.
Little Joe fans are in for a double treat on Wednesday, November 4 when he will perform many of those tunes during his “Para La Gente” concert for the Social and Health Research Center. The concert will be held in the Edgewood (High School) Theater for the Performing Arts at 607 S.W. 34th Street.
Tickets range in price from $25 down to $15 and $5 balcony seats. For more information, call (210) 533-8886. The proceeds will benefit the Bienestar Health Program so far implemented in 80 schools.