RiverCityAttractions
Alamo City Comic Con Experience 2018
Alamo City Comic Con Experience 2018
Story by: David A. De La Rosa
Photographs by: Joseph Martinez
In south central Texas there are two things I look forward to in the fall. One is the change in climate, from the hot humid air to the cool dry air. The other thing I look forward to is attending our local pop culture festival that is the Alamo City Comic Con. This past weekend this event was held at the Alamodome (Oct 26th thru 28th). People that attend this event have a chance to don their favorite superhero/villain costume and congregate with other geeks to have a good time. This comic con has always been very family friendly and this year was no exception. Mom and dad can take the kiddies down to this event with the expectation of having a good time at a reasonable price.
Convention goers attend this event to people watch individuals in superhero garb, to buy exclusive artwork, comics, collectibles/toys. As always anyone in attendance wearing costumes to this event are always happy to pose for pictures with other attendees (just ask politely). There is also convention floor space devoted to professional cosplayers (models in costume) who will pose for pictures with attendees for a small fee. There are also special guests who are familiar to everyone who watches film and television. These special celebrity guests are there to meet and greet their fans’ sign autographs, be there for photo opportunities with their fans (for a fee).
A list of some of the big names in attendance include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jeff Goldblum, Rick Moranis, William Shatner, John Cusack, Jonathan Frakes, to name a few. My favorite thing to do at these conventions is to go to these Q&A panels some of these celebrities have during the convention. Most of these panels are open to every convention attendee, but there were a few that were VIP exclusive panels. I attended seven panels total two of which were exclusive.
The panels I attended were of the celebrities that I had a connection with from my youth. These people entertained me, made me laugh, and in a small way helped me develop into the person I am today. These special guest panels included William Shatner (Star Trek, Capt. Kirk), Rick Moranis (SCTV alum, Spaceballs, Dark Helmet), Jim Lee (comic book Artist), Arnold Schwarzenegger (The Terminator), Neve Campbell & Rachel True (The Craft), John Cusack (Hot Tub Time Machine), Jonathan Frakes (Star Trek Next Generation, Cmdr. Riker). All of these panels were interesting and some were very entertaining.
I don’t hide the secret that I’m a Trekkie, but I have to say that the two most entertaining panels I attended this past weekend were William Shatner & Jonathan Frakes both fan favorites of the Star Trek franchise. I’ve seen William Shatner before at another convention, and to say that when he’s in the room that he takes center stage is an understatement. Mr. Shatner is like a force of nature, he had no moderator for his panel he just walked in a pulled his seat to the center front of the stage and started talking to the audience. He had the audience eating out of his hands talking about funny anecdotes about his life and career. I think that most people got the Shatner experience they wanted.
The last panel I attended at the convention was for Jonathan Frakes, who played Cmdr. Riker in Star Trek the Next Generation films and television series. I didn’t know what to expect from Mr. Frakes, but in my opinion his was the best panel of that weekend. I waited in a room set aside for his panel for about ten minutes and then lined up to enter the panel room to be seated and waited for another ten minutes. Everyone in the room was talking amongst themselves then out nowhere someone yells out loud “RED ALERT!!!”, it was Mr. Frakes. The crowd began to roar with applause, and the panel began. Mr. Frakes was very funny, self deprecating, and down to earth, he was totally engaged with the audience, and their questions. Everyone there knew that he wanted to be there. To me that’s what you want from these special guest celebrities, I’ve seen some celebs in past conventions that acted like they would rather be elsewhere. If anyone has an opportunity to see Mr. Frakes at a convention, do it you won’t be disappointed.
I went to see the Craft panel that had two of the four lead actresses from the movie, Neve Campbell, and Rachel True. Both of these ladies were very charming and engaged with the audience. Some of the audience questions were very interesting regarding whether these actresses would ever reprise their past TV or film rolls. Ms. Campbell said she would not do another Scream movie, she wouldn’t be interested, because of the passing of Wes Craven the director/ producer of the Scream franchise. Another audience member asked Ms. Campbell, about a potential reboot of the Party of Five TV series. She said that the producers are rebooting the series but with a slightly different premise, the new television family will be Hispanic, but instead of the mother and father being killed off with their children having to raise themselves, the parents are deported from the country. That was a thought provoking topical premise for this reboot. I didn’t know about the potential new TV show, but that’s one the things you get from attending these panels, sometimes you get some inside info on what to look forward to in the entertainment world.
Another panel that I attended was for the actor John Cusack. Anyone who grew up in the 80’s that saw John Hughes movies or any teenage angst films from that decade is familiar with Mr. Cusack’s work. He was very funny and very relatable with the panel audience. He was asked questions about the business, and gave very sound advice, he stated if you want to direct you need to become an actor first in order to understand an actor’s point of view. People kept on asking him about famous quotes from his films. One question was about the film he made called High Fidelity, which was the actor Jack Black’s breakout roll. The question was did Mr. Cusack know how good Jack Black was, he told the audience he knew how good Black was, and that he really had to talk Black into doing the movie.
I also attended a panel from an individual known the world over from the comic book industry Jim Lee. I started my appreciation for Mr. Lee’s artwork in the early 90’s because of his work on the X-men comic book series. From my personal knowledge, this gentleman is an innovator in the industry; he was one of the co-founders of Image comics. Jim was very down to earth answering questions from the panel audience, while doing so he graciously drew some sketches to give to some lucky audience members.
The previous panels I’ve written about were open to the general convention attendees. The next two panels I’ll discuss were VIP exclusive panels; you needed to have a VIP pass in order to enter. These panels were for Rick Moranis, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. People had to shell out considerable coin for these VIP passes for both of these two gentlemen, which included autographs, photo ops, exclusive panel, and a three day pass to the convention.
I’ve always been a fan of SCTV (Second City TV) so when I heard a cast member of that TV show, Rick Moranis was going to attend this event; I had to go see him. There is a reason that there hasn’t been much news about this gentleman, because he had taken an almost 20 year hiatus from the entertainment industry in order to raise his young children. So Mr. Moranis attending this event was a big deal. This comedic actor has been in some blockbuster hit films, Ghostbusters, Honey I Shrunk The Kid’s, Spaceballs, Parenthood, to name a few. Mr. Moranis was very laid back and happy to answer any question posed to him from the panel audience. He was asked how was it like to work with Mel Brooks. He related to the audience that Mr. Brooks was very democratic when it came to ideas for the film as long as they were good he didn’t care where they came from. Another question was asked of him regarding the current state of comedy, he stated most comedy today is geared towards a cheap easy laugh using foul language and vulgarity. He said back when he was working on SCTV, the material was written to work for a laugh. At the end of the panel Mr. Moranis was taken by surprise when he was given a special plaque for attending the event by a mix of Star Wars imperials, and some Spaceballs in costume. It was a great panel experience.
The other VIP exclusive panel that I attended was for the major headliner of this comic con event, Arnold Schwarzenegger. I have to say that having this special guest was a considerable get, Mr. Schwarzenegger hasn’t done an event like this in almost 30 years. The last time this gentleman did an event like this was around the Terminator 2, film release. What can I say Mr. Schwarzenegger has been in some huge blockbuster hits; The Terminator, Conan The Barbarian, Predator, Kindergarten Cop, to name a few of his great films. His panel experience was very brief due to time constraints, but he did talk about his career in film. He gave some interesting anecdotes, one of which was that he originally tried out for the part of Reece , in The Terminator film. The director of the film James Cameron had to talk Mr. Schwarzenegger into taking the part of the Terminator; Schwarzenegger thought because of the lack of dialog lines that it would setback his acting career. He eventually took the part and the rest as they say is history. It was a good panel but very brief it only lasted about 20 minutes.
My overall impression of this event was very favorable; I think all the attendees had a good time. I do have to say that I much prefer having this event at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center. I believe that the Henry B., is better suited for this kind of event because of the amenities, the huge floor space, and panel room facilities. I will say that last year the Alamo City had a special Halloween edition con at the dome, and the space this year at this facility was better utilized. At last year’s event there were no panel rooms, very few concession stands, and only the field area of the dome was used for convention floor space. This year most of the concession stands were open, there were three panel rooms made available to the convention going public, and multiple levels of the dome were open to attendees.
I know in the past at this event that local artist’s have been priced out of exhibiting and selling their artwork at the convention. I know that the convention organizers have seen that problem and have worked toward addressing this situation. This year there was a great idea of utilizing the multiple levels at the dome. Artists were given the opportunity to display and sell their art on the fifth floor level hall, at an affordable fee. The only problem with this was no foot traffic thru this area by convention goers. Most convention attendees didn’t even know that there were other floors at the dome people could roam around in. I went all three days to this event, and I didn’t even know on the first day that there was any activity going on fifth floor where the local artists setup their booths.
I think that the artists would have been better suited displaying their work on the first floor were people first enter the dome. If the people entering this event had seen tables full of artwork or merchandise, the foot traffic would flow towards these artist/vendors. I spoke to several artists about this situation and they said that the lack of foot traffic really hurt their bottom line. That being said most of the artist’s said that they would still do this convention again.
Another issue I saw was the lack of general knowledge of where things were being held at the event, by the dome employees. In times past there was an army of volunteers working for the convention directing traffic, giving people convention info. I think the previous issue I described about the lack of foot traffic thru the artists fifth floor would have been alleviated by some convention volunteers standing in front of the dome’s elevators directing people to the fifth floor.
This convention is growing in scope and has become a major comic con destination not only for this state but for this country. Every year of this convention has had its successes and its challenges. The organizers of this event have seen what works and doesn’t work, next year they will improve upon these issues, to bring about a better convention experience for everyone.
for Stan Lee
12-28-22 11-12-18
International Award-Winning Author to Speak at LULAC Convention
EMMA GONZÁLEZ
International Award-Winning Author to Speak at LULAC Convention
By Ramón Hernández
Emma González, an international award-winning author who lives in Edinburg, Texas, is one of three speakers that have been chosen to participate in a panel at this this year’s LULAC State Convention.
Dr. Juan Tejeda, a professor at Palo Alto College, and Dr. Emilio Zamora are the other two panelists.
As a child, she grew up in Ovid, Colorado while her migrant family toiled in the sugar beet fields. As an adult, she was inspired by Saint Mother Teresa into writing and publishing her first book “Field Mice: Memoirs of a Migrant Child” and “Field Mice: Memoirs of a Migrant Child Children’s Edition” in 2015, based on her true-life experiences as a migrant child during ten tumultuous years with her migrant parents in the 1950s and ‘60s.
She may have waited until later in life before deciding to write, but the innate writing skills were there. The result is that both books won awards in September 2017 at the International Latino Book Awards (ILBA), known as the Academy Awards of Latino Literature and Culture in Los Angeles, chaired by Edward James Olmos. “Field Mice: Memoirs of a Migrant Child” won Most Inspirational Non-fiction Adult Novel, and the Children’s Edition won Most Inspirational Non-fiction Youth Book.
This was Emma’s first submission to the ILBA as a first-time author. Latino authors from the U.S. and 20 Latino countries were represented in the competition.
Aside from prestigious awards, when Little Joe read her book, he told her, “There were parts that made me cry. Then, I’d find myself laughing in the next chapter. It especially hit a chord in my heart because it was in part, like reading my own story.”
Since then, her works have been selected by The Monitor’s Festiva Creative Writing and River Sedge: A Journal of Art & Literature published by University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, in Edinburg, Texas. She is also the 2017 “Literacy Champion” recipient, an award from South Texas Literacy Collation for her work conducting writing workshops to high school migrant students.
González shares her life’s story with migrant students to motivate them to stay in school, to reach for the stars, and she conducts writing workshops “to help them find their voice and write their story.” For migrant parents, she offers heart felt advice from her experiences.
González, who graduated from Edinburg High in 1972 and attended UT Pan Am, majored in Criminal Justice and ventured into successful business entrepreneurships hence touts the importance of education
On the personal side, she lives with her supportive husband of 45 years and is close to her beloved children & grandchildren. She travels to distant places she once only read about as an isolated migrant child.
In her sequel, “Paths of Pearls: After the Migrant Years,” Emma writes about her life when her parents finally settle in Edinburg. At the age of 15, her struggles continue after the migrant years have decimated her family and forced her to shoulder the financial burdens after her father’s death, to support her mother and herself, and fights to pursue her education and happiness. Plus, how she drew strength from her past to survive this new, unsettling life.
This book is due for publication this year. Ergo, González has embarked on a successful writing career. Her next tentative project is chronicling Little Joe’s early life in the fields.
Meanwhile, she is on a book reading tour, but will take time off to make an appearance at this year’s LULAC State Convention at the Tropicana Hotel on Friday, June 1.
To buy Emma’s book, just go to Amazon.com and search for “Field Mice” by Emma González.
Little Joe on Politics, Racism and Chicano Rights
Little Joe on Politics, Racism and Chicano Rights
Article and photos by Ramón Hernández
Is Little Joe Running for Political Office? No, but he is throwing in his hat into all races and hitting the campaign trail to help Texas turn back to blue from local city elections to the governorship and state congressmen and women.
The reason why this Tejano music icon is taking personal action is as follows:
“Looking back, one of the things that I lament now that I’ve gotten older, is that I didn’t prioritize. It’s not a regret, but in a kind of way, it’s a bother that I didn’t do and haven’t done as much as I would like to have done for the people in how I wanted to. Especially for La Raza.
“I’ve taken many opportunities – when I can – to advance la causa (the cause). But, I feel I’m lacking in terms of motivating and urging people to vote, especially Chicanos. You know, while we Mexican Americans are in the majority among minorities, we are also the least voting people among Latinos. We have a voice, but we don’t vote; and we’ve suffered the most due to the consequences of not voting.
“We have the numbers and we all know that; but we don’t use them because we don’t vote. It’s a shame that we Chicanos, Mexican Americans have the incredible ability to choose, yet we don’t vote. It’s really such a shame that we can’t get la raza, the Chicanos, out to vote,” Little Joe stated with a deep concern about the future.
“This year, my resolution is to try to encourage, to try to motivate as many people as I possibly can and do all I need to do to get the vote out. We have a great responsibility and I aim to do everything and anything I can to help all politicians, black, white and other, to turn the state back to blue.
“This is what I’m hoping to do this year, to reach the people that come to the show, to motivate them by enticing them to go out and vote because we need to do that for the future of our country, for the future of our families. We have the numbers. We can do it. So, I want to dedicate as much time and energy to making that happen.
“I’ve always told candidates I work with, ‘Look, I really don’t need to go preach to the choir. I don’t need to preach to the cheerleaders. ‘La gente que no vota (The people that don’t vote) is who I want to be in front of. Not the ones that are already voting and contributing to the community. That’s where I can be of service to you is with la raza, which I know personally.’ So, I’m good for la gente del pueblo (the people) that don’t vote, or maybe, they’re just thinking about it and haven’t decided to vote.
“I would think that San Antonio was a case in point because when I was campaigning for Mayor (Ron) Nirenberg, people said, ‘if Joe is doing that, que me cuesta (what’s it going to cost me), and that’s true.
“I’m hopeful and excited about next year; and the campaigns. So, I’m looking forward to working with the candidates that are running for office throughout Texas plus the Southwestern states.
“I’m also excited about all the women getting involved and will be running for office in government because women are women whether you like it or not. We must admit that if it weren’t for women, we wouldn’t be here, right? (laughter).
“I would love to see the Chicanitas get in there and kick ass, like Lupe Valdez in Dallas. I’m proud to say that I know Lupe Valdez. She’s an old friend-fan. I’ve met her before and I haven’t contacted her yet, but I want to be right there in her behalf. I want her to know that, win or lose, you’ll always be a winner if you try.
“Can you image seeing the name of any Tejanita or any Latina, Hispanic running for office, in the school board, or any position? And when you do, vote for her. I mean, why not?
When this writer reminded Little Joe about Dr. Pablo Ruiz and his Ignite the Vote organization, the Tejano living legend said, “Can you image what would happen if we could get 10,000 Ramon’s and other ‘Ignite the Vote’ members out there? Or what about a 100 of them. We must just go out and do it – ignite the vote.
“While we may be the majority in number, we won’t get the education that our children need if we don’t get the funding for the teachers and educators that we need in the barrio.
“There’s so many reasons that should drive us to the polls to vote, solo que no pierdo la esperanza (so I don’t lose hope). Estoy deseperanzado (I’m desperate) and I want to see the day when our young will get involved with the community by voting (if they are 18) and maybe by taking their parents and relatives – who don’t go or won’t go – to the polls. There’s so much that can be done. I’ve always thought that if we can’t do it all, let us do all we can. That should be all we can do.
“Unfortunately, not enough of us are contributing to the Mexican American community. So, I’m going to do whatever I can to get the vote out.”
His deep, serious concerns are food-for-thought. Your vote does make a difference. Voting is a privilege, so you should exercise that privilege. Take responsibility for the future of this city, this state and our country. Therefore, I hope you take heed of Little Joe’s profound, powerful statements.
According to his son Ivan, Little Joe has joined the Dr. Richard A. Johnson III camp (father of four children), who is running for U.S. Congress in Houston. LJ has agreed to help him with pro bono spots, along with former two-time world heavyweight boxing champion and an Olympic Gold Medalist George Foreman. Now an ordained minister, author and entrepreneur.
In all honesty, Little Joe has been fighting for la raza and the underdog since the start of the 1970s Chicano Movement. His album covers during that period reflect that involvement; and recordings such as “Que Sera De Mi” delivered a power message that still resonates and remains pertinent in this time and age.
That is all, now get out and knock on doors, then insure you and everyone you knows gets to the polls to vote for the candidate they believe will make a difference.
Little Joe Continues to Outdo Himself
Little Joe Continues to Outdo Himself
Story and photos by Ramón Hernández
Actor-singer-songwriter-bandleader, guitar player, record label owner and producer, Little Joe celebrated his 77th year of life on October 17th,2017, yet he shows no signs of slowing down.
It was in late 1954 that four 14-year-old teenagers, David Coronado, José María de León, Tony Matamoros and Cino Moreno, got together and set out to – with a slight change in arrangement -turn standard Mexican rancheras into funky dance tunes.
Now, 63 years later, four Grammy awards and one Latin Grammy award later, this musical trail blazer says that despite his numerous achievements, his most monumental, major accomplishment is about to come to fruition.
As a national spokesperson, Little Joe was chosen to promote Schlitz beer in the 1980s, Coca Cola, GMC trucks, Tony Lama boots, Quaker Oats in the 1990s and most recently Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
It was in the early 1990s that Coca Cola built a float for this five-time Grammy award winner’s participation in San Antonio Battle of Flowers parade. And, he served as Grand Marshall for the Texas Cavaliers River Parade in 2011.
In 2015, Little Joe shared the honor of being San Antonio’s Fiesta Flambeau Parade Grand Marshall with John Quiñones. Last year, Little Joe released “San Antonio,” a song which he dedicated to the City and all its ‘fun loving’ residents. Now, he has been selected to help kick off the Alamo City’s Tricentennial New Year’s Eve celebration.
“I have a crushed velvet green coat that I was to wear; but, it’s going to be so damn cold that I’m thinking of wearing a big top coat or whatever. it’s looking like last year when it was going to be 28 degrees on Valentine’s Day in Valentine, Texas and it was down to10 degrees by the time we finished the set. It was the coldest gig I ever recall performing in and we wore double pants, shirts, sweaters, jackets and I was still cold, but la gente loca stayed; and it was a great party,” Little Joe said.
“I was so honored that Mayor (Ron) Nirenberg asked me to do the Tricentennial kick off on New Year’s Eve because he and his wife, Erika, are such ‘good people.’
Watching Little Joe and the mayor’s rapport backstage, it was evident they had such great chemistry (see color photo montage in this issue).
Needless to say, Little Joe put on a kick-butt show as he and La Familia alternated from an English-language tune, to Spanish, and back to English.
Mayor Nirenberg and San Antonio’s First Lady danced a few numbers behind the bandstand. And, out among the thousands of well-bundled die-hard fans, one could spot some couples dancing to keep warm.
Onstage, KSAT-12 TV had two cameramen and a remote operated camera on a crane. Backstage, KENS- 5 TV and a second television crew roped off an area where they interviewed Little Joe following his set.
It was here, where Little Joe summarized this memorable occasion in three words he slowly stretched out, “It – was – fa-bu-lous.”
Then he jokingly added, “To celebrate San Antonio’s Tricentennial is special to me because I won’t be here for the next centennial celebration,” meaning in 3017.
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
When this writer asked the Tejano star who had a line of GMC pickup trucks named after him in 1992; and who in 2015 added a ‘Star’ on the Palms Springs Walk of Stars to his many Platinum and Gold records, trophies, plaques, certificates, letters from presidents, governors and numerous other accolades what “he considered” to be his greatest accomplishment, the Tejano Music and Tejano Roots Hall of Fame inductee took a long pause as he played back hundreds of awards shows in his mind.
“You know, I really can’t pinpoint any one particular accomplishment, musical or otherwise. I guess I would say, staying healthy as well as I have because you know, when you get to my age, you must deal with and you may have to confront with high blood pressure, diabetics, high cholesterol and other ailments that come with age. I’m able to control my numbers because I approach everything in moderation. Then I enjoy hearing the doctor give me the good results.
Having said this, some fans have shared a concern about his liver since the see him drink many shots of tequila during his shows.
Little Joe seemed grateful for their concern. Then, he responded, “Contrary to what people may think, I do drink beer in my show. I drink tequila, but I don’t drink it here at home. I don’t go to bars, so the intake is not as much as people might think it is. And every three or four months, I do get a complete checkup.”
Little Joe’s mental wheels were still spinning until he obviously decided to let this writer be the first to know about his next major undertaking.
LITTLE JOE REACHES AGREEMENT WITH HARRAH’S HOTEL AND CASINOS
Ivan Hernández, Little Joe’s son, manager and booking agent said, “It all started about five years ago when Joe Ripoll, the president of Hispanic marketing in Las Vegas, began looking for a casino where dad could perform five or six nights a week.”
That move would have Little Joe joining the likes of Elvis Presley, Wayne Newton, Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand and others as a resident performer in a big-name casino.
“I love Vegas because of the punctuality and the way things move forward. But, I really didn’t want to do five or six nights a week in one place. You know how I like to perform then move on. So, I kind of forgot about it,” Little Joe added.
“But the people in Vegas kept insisting and requested we do this. But instead of Vegas, we decided to do this in Laughlin, where I can say that I’ve performed in Laughlin many times and I’ve sold out every time.”
“We wanted to do this in a place that was not too big and not too small with an average capacity of 1,200,” Ivan continued.
Long story short, Little Joe recently signed an agreement with John Buschman, vice president of multi-cultural marketing for the Harrah’s Hotel and Casino family.
“I really look forward to working all the great events that the Harrah’s Hotel Casino people have for me. And as I’ve said before, they never really stopped pushing it. These guys don’t do anything without researching and getting their numbers together,” the legendary Tejano icon said.
“I’m excited about it, as you can tell. They want the Chicano crowd. That’s what they told us they want to do and there’s no one that can make it as easy for them. That’s the plan.
“They are really focusing on the Southwest and they also intend in doing the same in their casinos in Chicago, New Orleans, Kansas City and Atlanta City as ‘Little Joe Weekends.’”
“Kansas City and Chicago, that’s Little Joe territory,” Ivan gushed.
To kick it all off, Little Joe is performing in Laughlin on Mother’s Day Weekend, May 11 and 12 and they may add a day to that.
“In addition, dad will also be performing at the Harrah’s casinos in Kansas City in June, and Reno in July,” Ivan added.
“Furthermore, Laughlin is also proclaiming ‘Little Joe Month’ in October when they will name a showroom there, the ‘Little Joe Showroom’ with the focus being to cater to the Mexican American because they want the Chicano cliental.
“That’s where they will eventually begin to bring in groups such as Los Lobos, El Chicano, Tierra, Malo, plus other Chicano groups.”
“Harrah’s Casinos! That’s world-wide man,” exclaimed Little Joe. “Next to my health, that’s my most important achievement.
“Yes, I was initially intimidated, but you know what? What the hell, they have given me the opportunity to finish my showbiz career in some great spots. That’s an accomplishment.”
ON LITTLE JOE IS GOING TO CUBA
Little Joe was breathless with excitement as he spoke about upcoming trip to Caribbean island of Cuba.
“I’ve been wanting to go to Cuba for way over 40 years y nunca se me ha consedido (it’s never come to pass). So, when the opportunity came up and I was asked, ‘would you like to do a cruise going to Cuba?’ I said, ‘I’ve got my bags pack.’
The Cuban culture has always been real fascinating to me. When I had my Buena Suerte Records office in Los Angeles; and I was there over two years, I was in the middle of all the Latin major labels.
“And, when I was working with CBS Columbia before it was Sony, one of the record promoters that would take me to do all the interviews at radio stations, newspaper and TV was Cuban, Jesus Godoy and I loved him because he was always a gentleman. As we drove around Los Angeles, I had some wonderful conversations with him and the more I spoke to him about Cuba, the more learned about their cultura, about their food and the whole thing about Cuba,
“The more I got intrigued, the more I knew I really wanted to go; and I want to go before it changes, before it gets westernized because eventually it will.
“Para empezar con la música Cubana (To start with the Cuban music industry), I have great admiration for those people because of their tenacity and their drive. When (former Cuban President Fidel) Castro ousted them, they moved in. They came in (through Florida) and they quickly took over the entertainment field … They quickly became positioned in the record industry.
“Jesus Godoy, as I said before, was such an incredible amazing gentleman. So, I was always fascinated with Cuba. It’s a beautiful island from what I’ve seen in pictures and of course on TV. That’s why I’m so excited about going and I’m really, really, happy that I have this opportunity. That’s another reason I want to stay healthy, so I can enjoy the trip there.
“I look forward to seeing all the classic vintage cars and interacting with la gente cubana in their home environment; plus of course the cuisine.
“This quaresma will mark 29 years of being a vegetarian; but I’m not truly a vegetarian because I eat dairy products. I love cheese, and eggs.
“What I am is a pescatarian. Therefore, I’m looking forward to a great Cuban variety of pescado Cubano, marisco Cubano (Cuban fish dishes). That’s it, that’s it.”
Along with Little Joe going on this historic, voyage to Cuba, plus the Bahamas, is Rubén Ramos and Roberto Pulido as Los Tres Amigos.
In addition to the nightly performances from a lineup of amazing artists and exotic ports of call, your vacation will be filled with non-stop entertainment and fun with an exciting schedule of onboard events!
By now you’re probably saying, “Wow, wow, wow, tell me more.” For starters, block off November 5th to the 9th in 2018.
This is an all-inclusive cruise. Raza, this means the price of the cruise includes taxes, gratuities and all the alcohol you can drink. Is visiting the country that gave us the bolero, mambo and salsa music on your bucket list?
This trip will sell out quickly!!! So, don’t wait!!! Space for this cruise is limited and once it’s sold out, it’s gone.
A passport, and in some cases a visa, is required for this once in a lifetime golden opportunity. For more information and/or to sign up for this adventure of a lifetime, call (210) 318-5671 or go to www.tejanocubacruise.com.
This terminates PART 1 of a two-part interview with the ‘King of the Brown Sound.’ Be sure to read how Little Joe plans to turn Texas blue again, plus his upcoming new image here on River City Attractions; plus his take on the “Tribute to José Alfredo Jiménez” compact disc. In addition, he also answers all the questions on the assumptions and/or rumors of his retirement.
It’s a revealing, yet delightful, insight into what this living legend has up his sleeve for la raza.
Meet Little Joe’s Baby Brother
Meet Little Joe’s Baby Brother
Articles and all photos by Ramón Hernández
Every reader has heard of Little Joe, Johnny, Rocky y La Familia, right? Depending on your age, you may also remember Tony “Top” Hernández or Jimmy “La Avispa” Hernández? Then there is their youngest brother, Miguel Gilberto aka Gilbert Hernández and a recording artist in his own right.
Problem is, hardly anyone has heard of him because he has always been under the shadow of the band leader or lead vocalist of the bands for which he has played tenor saxophone. With that in mind, River City Attractions would like to introduce you to el más chavalito de los famosos Hermanos Hernández (the youngest of the famous Hernández Brothers).
His story begins on January 20, 1953 when as Little Joe said, “I remember coming home from school; and there he was, another baby brother.”
Shortly after he was born, Gilbert contracted polio, a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease, and he was unable to walk or talk.
“I don’t really remember those early years, but as I’m told, Jimmy took me out every day. And that he taught me how to talk, as well as walk.”
“For a long time, no one thought he was going to walk,” Rocky said, “But he did.”
That’s how Jimmy helped Gilbert overcame polio. By 1961, Little Joe and the Latinaires were a sort of house band during the Sunday 4 to 6 p.m. matinees at the Tropicana in Temple, Texas. And, to give his younger brothers a taste of performing, his brother, Jesse, would pick up a then seven-year old Gilbert and put him on the stage to sing “Ramona.”
Rocky, who is older, said, “Gilbert started singing before I did and when I looked up and saw people throw nickels and quarters on the stage, I got jealous and wanted to do the same thing,” Rocky recalled.
So, Jesse than gave the microphone to Rocky, he sang “Put Your Arms Around Me,” then filled his pockets with coins.
“Most of the week, until my parents came home on weekends, we would go to the Silver Dollar, the Drop Inn, Little Chicago, and the Red Ram, a black bar on 8th Street because that’s where the happening was.
“Then, there also was the Tampico, Charro and the Acapulco, all Mexican bars, also on 8th Street. And it was at the Acapulco where Little Joe started in 1958,” Rocky added.
In 1968, in an effort to make a musician out of Rocky, Little Joe bought him a guitar, but turned around and gave it to his brother-in-law, David “Spooky” Esparza, who a decade later became the guitar player for Los Fantasticos.
Next, Little Joe gave Rocky a tenor saxophone and Rocky later gave it to Gilbert.
“I was 15 and a member of the Travis Junior High School Choir, so I was very interested in music and quickly learned to play that saxophone,” Gilbert said.
By 1970, Gilbert and John Alexander, would get on a bus to go see Little Joe perform in Austin and Dallas. In July, he sat in with Rocky and the Little Giants when they went to open for Hank Williams Jr. in Amarillo, Texas.
“Then, before the year was over, I joined the David Gutiérrez Orchestra with whom I recorded two 45 rpm singles,” Gilbert said. “And a year later, I went on tour and recorded with Roy Montelongo plus Shorty and the Corvettes.
“The turning point in my musical career occurred when going home from a gig in Houston, the band left me behind in Somerville, but instead of taking a bus home to Temple, I went to Houston and there, I stayed with my cousin, Clara Salcido for about one year”
It was there that Gilbert joined Los Pares (The Pairs).
“Our manager, Larry Rick Barajas Sr., was a gambler that gave the group that name because there were two Richards, two Joes and two Mikes in the original band. He also bought us a PA system and provided us with rehearsal space by building an air-conditioned music room in his garage,” said Lonny Lalanne.
This band, which was from Manchester, on the southeast side and near the channel also included some musicians from Magnolia and Houston’s 2nd Ward, styled itself after Chicago. They were Albert Mogil, lead vocals; Tom Cruz, guitar; Larry Rick Barajas Jr., bass; John “Pan” Gonzales, keyboards, Gilbert, tenor sax; Lalanne on trumpet and Mike Rosas on drums.
“Back then, it was like a gang because we were bandmates and hung out together as the closest of friend,” Lalanne added.
“Within three years of playing at the Golden Fleece, the Latin Club, Latin World, the Stardust and the Pan American ballrooms plus upstairs on The Square, we became the ‘number one band in our age group.’ We were by far, such a well-known, band, that we began packing them in at the Lovejoy Center and the Albert Thomas Convention Center.”
As Gilbert and Lalanne explained, they became a very successful kid band because they looked, acted and hung out with older people. Then, as icing on the cake, they backed Neto Pérez on two 45 rpm singles and Rocky Gil on one single.
Their good three-year run ended when Gilbert started freelancing with other bands and Lalanne began to play with Fat Emma, the top Chicano music group in Houston. After Lalanne graduated from high school in May 1973, he flew out to Lubbock, Texas to do his first gig with Neto Perez’s band, which at the time included Tom Cruz.
The worst of fates fell on the band when Neto and two other of his musicians died in a car accident on their way back from a gig at 3 a.m. The accident occurred in Elgin, Texas and it was Neto’s body that took the impact.
The other musicians were Alfredo Ponce. This San Angelo-based trumpet player joined Neto when Gilbert De Anda broke up Coyote to join Tortilla Factory. The other was David Castillo, a great jazz saxophone player. Both were new band members.
“In short, everybody but me died in the car wreck,” Lalanne said with a hint of sadness and disbelief. I saw one die and two other dying; and I was the only survivor. So, I was the one that was left to speak to their families.
“Neto was the driving force and after he died the group sort of disbanded.”
A year later, Gilbert moved to North Hollywood and began playing with Tierra shortly after this band was formed by Steve and Rudy Salas in 1973. He also got to perform at the Hollywood Palladium with both rock and Chicano bands.
However, he missed Texas and early in 1979, Gilbert went back to Austin, where he joined the Paco Rodríguez Orchestra.
“That’s when I started singing lead vocals with a band,” Gilbert said with pride. I began by doing backup vocals, but he would coax me by saying, ‘Mijo started singing.’ But it was actually my brother Rocky that taught me how to sing at 15.”
On Easter Sunday of April 1979, Gilbert and his father Salvador Santiago Hernández, best known as “La Cotorra,” had been out partying in Austin since Good Friday, which happened to fall on Friday the 13th.
“Dad had brought me along as the designated driver. However, he insisted on driving his car back to Temple. So, I got into the car and knocked out. That was my last recollection,” Gilbert said.
They were headed north on Interstate 35 and Gilbert was asleep when Cotorra crashed his 1960 Chevy Sports Coupe in a head-on collision with an 18-wheeler. The car went under the semi-truck. The semi shaved off the top of the car and they were lucky they were not decapitated.
What saved them from this terrible fate is that Gilbert was passed out in a prone position and Cotorra immediately leaned over his body to prevent him getting killed. When he escaped with just a few scratches and five broken bones, Cotorra was hospitalized and kept in intensive care two weeks. He died Sunday, November 4, as a result of those injuries.
The following year, Gilbert moved to San Antonio where he says, “I freelanced with chingos de pura raza groups. If I wasn’t playing, when Little Joe came to town, I would go to his gigs, but I did not get up and sing with him because I had gotten into drugs and I was kind of like in the low side of life.
It was in the Alamo City where he met and wed Linda Martínez and their union was blessed with the birth of Santiago Salvador. Married and now a father, Gilbert began to clean up his act. So, each time Little Joe and Johnny were in town, they would call him up and he would go to their gig, get up on stage and sing “Margarita” with his two older brothers.
“But as hard as I tried, my marriage didn’t work out. We separated when my son was two and a half years old and in late 1984, I went back to Houston where I played and recorded with different orchestras and bands such as Avizo plus Rocky Gil, who died shortly thereafter,” Gilbert continued.
“I would play at the Phase 3 and La Bastio Club in the Market Square area with Roland Kirk. Roland has the distinction of being able to play three saxophones at the same time. However, the highlight of my career is when I sat in with Miles Davis.
“Then I recorded a compact disc and toured New Mexico, Arizona, California, Denver and Chicago with Sangre Viva, whose bandleader and lead vocalist was Rio Grande Valley native Gilbert González.
Gilbert, who is quiet and low-key, continued freelancing without any fanfare as one of the hundred
Fast forwarding to 2007, this is the year when Gilbert and Lonny Lalanne put together the Texas Studio All-Star Orchestra and recorded “Simplemente Mi Sueño.” The title tune in this CD was “Juan Piedra, a song his father, La Cotorra, had written in the 1950s. Not only did the tune become a big hit, but it was also nominated for a Grammy Award.
“I recorded the CD at Gilbert Velásquez’s studio with Lonny and Vic Nash plus twenty musicians from San Antonio,” Gilbert stated.
After that, Gilbert, who will turn 65 this month, continued freelancing until 2015.
“I went back into the studio, but no one wanted to help me,” he continued. “Then, halfway through the recording, I got real sick. I went to the medical center and found out I was dying of liver cancer. Since then, I have gone through more than $80,000 of medications.
“It was really bad, but I kept on recording until I finish my most recent CD in 2016.”
A look at the list of over a dozen musicians who recorded on this production is like reading off a roster of San Antonio’s crème de la crème.
To top it off, Little Joe recorded “Nuestra Canción” with his carnalito. He also supported his little brother’s “Canta Conmigo” CD by releasing it on his Tejano Discos Internacional label (TDI Records 139).
Vic Nash Espinoza wrote “Nuestra Canción” and Dr. Pete A. Sánchez, who manufactures Little Joe’s salsa, penned four more original tunes. If you haven’t heard Gilbert make his tenor sax sing, just catch one of Wild Bill Perkins’ Calle Seis performances.
Furthermore, this month everyone sailing on Chicano Cruise II will see and hear Little Joe and Gilbert sing in duet in what will truly be a rare, memorable performance.
Unfortunately, this cruise is completely booked and you will have to wait for the next cruise, meanwhile keep checking at www.chicanocruise.com or call (702) 9540-0298.
Scream Queen
Scream Queen 2017
It was mid-November, I found myself in “Wonderland Land of the America’s” indoor mall.
There were many venders to visit. Selling a wide variety of goods from comic books, trinkets and bats under glass, quite interesting to look at. It’s a bargain hunter’s delight.
One thing I must point out. I have been to many conventions and comic cons. Some of the same kinds of things I looked at were cheaper here. The price to attend was Zero. That’s the best deal of all! Wonderland mall have a wide range of events going on all year long just keep an eye out for them. https:// www.facebook.com/wonderlandoftheamericas
The Bedouin Belly Dancer was on hand entertaining a cheering small audience . Many of the dancers did several different styles of dances. All preformed with grace and dignity. If you would like to give it a try belly dancing; check out www.asheba.com
Halloween started early with the Scream Queen contest. The outfits they dawned and of course a good scream determine the winner. To me and many others they are all winners. The contestants were wonderful.
The third place winner did “Creep” me out a bit. Other than that it was a perfect day.
Story and pictures by Joseph Martinez
rivercityattrctions.com
Alamo City Comic Con Halloween Edition 2017
Story by: David A. De La Rosa
Photographs by: Joseph Martinez
This past weekend I went to the Alamo City Comic Con Halloween Edition event (October 27th – 29th) at the Alamo Dome. The obvious proximity to the holiday had people attend this event dressed up as some of their favorite monsters and ghouls (i.e. Freddy Kruger, Pennywise, or garden variety zombie). Convention goers were exposed to the usual fare at such an event collectibles vendors, artists, and special celebrity guests (available for signing autographs and photo ops).
I like attending these shows for a couple of reasons; one is to see the creativity people have when it comes to making their own costumes. The second reason I like going to these events is I have an opportunity to meet some of my favorite television or film stars that are scheduled to appear at the event. This year there were actors in Q&A panels from cult classic films/television such as Nightmare Before Christmas, Nightmare On Elm Street, The Warriors, The Exorcist, The Monster Squad, and American Horror Story.
This event was held at the Alamo Dome, in the area where the field would be, there was a great amount of room for vendors which took up 2/3rds of the available space while the rest was setup as the celebrity section Alamo City Comic Con Halloween Edition 2017
. The rear corner adjoining the celebrity section was a stage and seating area for the panels. The panel area utilized one of the Alamo Dome’s jumbo-trons, so from most vantage points where ever a convention attendee was on the floor they could see and listen to each panel.
Overall I would say that this event was great family entertainment, at a reasonable price a three day pass could be bought for $50 at your local HEB supermarket. I did not see anyone walking away from this convention displeased, this event was very child friendly. I did see a few issues regarding this comic con.
First of all I think a lot of people thought that this event would have been bigger being held at the Alamo Dome as a venue. The issue here was the way that this event was marketed, because it was competing against another similar event (Rockula Horror Expo). Convention goers believed that this con was going to be on the same scale as the regular Alamo City Comic Con. To me I would have marketed this show as being a snack before dinner (i.e. the annual Alamo City Comic Con).
Another issue that may seem trivial was the restrictions regarding the kind of bags (backpacks, mesh bags, and clear bags were not allowed) convention attendees could bring. I know that these restrictions were put in place by the officials overseeing the Alamo Dome facility, and not the comic cons organizers. I think that this might have hurt the convention vendor’s bottom line; when I go to an event like this I need to take a backpack to hold all my heavy purchases. I know a lot of people posted on the comic cons Facebook page their displeasure about these baggage restrictions.
I also thought that there needed to be more comic con personnel (volunteers) present to help direct people in and outside the facility. The people that were there that did most of those duties were Alamo Dome employees. I think that the line to enter the dome could have ran more smoothly if there was some comic con personnel directing people to get into the proper line.
My final thoughts on this event are in regards to the Alamo Dome as being a great venue for any kind of convention. There were plenty of restrooms with hardly any lines, throughout the facility, as well as two major concession areas. As I’ve said before overall this was a great family event and it was held at a family friendly venue.
Archie Bell to Tighten Up Tejano SOUL Cruise
Archie Bell to Tighten Up Tejano SOUL Cruise
By Ramón Hernández
Archie Lee Bell says, “ ‘There’s Gonna Be a Showdown’ on the Carnival Valor cruise ship that sails out of Galveston on Monday, November 13.
“We’re going to ‘Tighten Up.’ ‘Everybody’s gonna have a good time. So ‘Let’s Groove’ together by signing up for this cruise.”
Who’s not familiar with all those Archie Bell and the Drells hits? If you need to refresh your memory just check out the following links: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN7vm-k-AaA, www.youtube.com/watch?v=47_so3zoAaU, www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEr3pzh_rvA, www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-svXGMYjLs and www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xY1BEMqxjQ.
For those who question why Archie Bell is headlining a Tejano soul gig, brace yourselves for this writer’s new revelations. Did you know of his connection to the Tejano industry and that he is Hispanic.
“To be specific, I am part Mexican, native American, and Chinese on my paternal great grandmother’s side,” Archie revealed during a telephone interview.
He had shared that information with me backstage at last year’s Patio Andaluz Reunion. He gave me his telephone numbers, but I had not had the time to follow up on getting all the details until a few days ago.
As for Archie’s connection to Tejano music, he said, “It all came about when Sunny Ozuna of the Sunliners was doing the radio promotion for his follow up hit to ‘Talk to Me’ and he went to see Skipper Lee Frazier (aka Mountain of Soul) at KCOH.”
In a nutshell, Frazier, who was also Archie’s manager, told Sunny, “I’ll play your record ‘if’ you take Archie on tour with you as an opening act.” This was about the time that Archie had written and recorded a very Chicano lowrider sounding tune titled “She’s My Woman, She’s My Girl” (Ovide 222), www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_3AHMyCbFs.
“The end result is that I did the Tejano music circuit all over Texas with Sunny. And that included towns such as Seguin, San Marcos and Corpus Christi; so I’ve very familiar with Tejano music. In fact, if you listen closely to ‘Tighten up,’ you’ll hear a Tejano groove, a zydeco groove and even a country groove in there,” Archie continued. “I also recorded and included one of Sunny’s songs on the ‘Tighten Up’ album.” Listen to it at www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiWmoo51ohU.
“That’s right,” Sunny affirmed. “He wanted one of my songs and I gave him ‘Give Me Time’ (KeyLoc KL-1007). He toured with me pretty close to a year. It really helped our guys at the Municipal Auditorium and other venues. Then he made it, and before I knew it, he was opening for James Brown in Atlanta (Georgia).”
Another little known fact is that the Drells at one time included two well-known Tejano musicians. They were Abel Salazar on keyboards and Lonnie LaLanne on trumpet.
Going back to Frazier, this radio icon, television personality, record producer-record label owner (Ovide Records), music promoter and movie actor (“Reborn”) is also the author of “Tighten Up … The Making of a Million Selling hit.” On a sad note, the radio icon died on Friday, October 14, 2016.
Another connection is that Sunny’s producer, Huey Meaux, recommended “Tighten Up” to Atlantic Records, who took his advice and sold more than three million copies, holding both the number one R&B and the ‘number one’ pop spot for two weeks on Billboard’s charts in spring 1968. And it was even released in Spain as “Aprieta.”
As for the name of these the four vocalists – Bell, James Wise, Willie Pernell and Billy Butler – the then E.O. Smith Junior High School classmates wanted to go with something like The Dells because it rhythmed with Bell. “However, that name was taken so E.C. Watson, a buddy of mine inserted an ‘r’ and came up with the Drells,” Archie said giving credit where credit is due.
Thus you now know that Drell is an offshoot of Bell.
“It’s not a recognized word. You won’t find a definition for it, but we coined it; so we came up with our own definition –a drell is a gentleman and the ultimate entertainer.” However, Rocktober magazine reporter James Potter wrote that Drell also meant “a singin’ and dancin’ mother@#ker!” And you’ll understand why when you see the YouTube.com videos.
For the story of Archie Bell and the Drells, one can go to his website, www.archiebell.net. Readers and also google them and find several links and with that in mind, I will stick to my finding, which you won’t find on the World Wide Web.
The only thing I will add is Archie’s regret on losing out on countless gigs because “Tighten Up” was released after he had joined the U.S. Army.
“I was making $135 a month with Uncle Sam when I could have been making $100,000 a night.”
The revelations continue …
Last year, I was taken aback when I saw Archie wearing a cowboy hat, especially after seeing him sporting a large round afro and wearing outlandish, colorful disco outfits. So what gives?
“The truth is that my father, Langston Bell, had a 1944 Ford and back them all they played on the radio was country and western music, so I grew up on all the Hank’s and Bob Wills music,” Archie continued.
“I’m also into what’s known as Carolina beach music. In fact, it really big all over the east coast from Florida on up to Virginia. Some of it has a blues shuffle (rhythmic structure) and the style of dancing it is the Carolina shag. It’s something similar to the Texas country two-step.”
I found this eye-opening information intriguing and after some researching it, I found out Carolina beach music was instrumental in bringing about wider acceptance of R&B music among the white population nationwide. Thus it was a contributory factor in both the birth of rock and roll and the later development of soul music as a subgenre of R&B.
Asked how he was exposed to this music genre, the 5-foot-9 ½ inch tall singer-songwriter said, “My wife’s from North Carolina.
As a solo artist Archie recorded a blues album, plus after professing a love for country music, a few C&W tunes. One of those tunes was “Warm Red Wine,” which is included with songs in a compilation also featuring Glen Campbell, Tanya Tucker and Roy Clark.
“In fact I’m presently working on some recordings with Mickey Gilley and Roy Head.”
So there you have it, a few exclusive never-before known facts on the extremely musical versatile Archie Bell.
Best of all, readers will not only have the opportunity to see him perform in an intimate setting, but hang out with him in the ship and ports of call during the November Tejano Soul Cruise.
Other artists scheduled to perform are Jimmy Edward, Joe Jama, Augustine Ramírez, Ram Herrera, Hugo Guerrero, Chris Q, Stephanie Lynn, Tracy Pérez, and Candace Vargas. Also MC2, the Mambo Jazz Kings, Los Hermanos – all under the musical direction of Wild Bill Perkins with the musical backing of Houston’s Robert Dorantes’ Avizo Band.
For more information on the five-day cruise making port stops in Cozumel and Progresso, Yucatan, Mexico, go to www.tejanosoulcruise.com.
La Ley de Tejas to Lay Down the Law during Cruise
La Ley de Tejas to Lay Down the Law during Cruise
By Ramón Hernández
Augustine Ramírez aka La Ley de Tejano is ready to play sheriff during the November Soul Cruise.
“That’s right, I’m going to lay down the law,” the Grammy Award winner said.
“And the law is, for everybody to have a good time, to get down and have fun! I know I plan to have fun.”
In view of this being Augustine’s first time at sea, when asked what he looks to in regard to the cruise, he said, “I think I need one, really, because I need to take a break and just enjoy the experience. I’m excited about this new adventure. I want to savor it all; frog legs, escargot, and you name it.
“A lot of my friends will be on this cruise, so I look forward to spending time with them and also make new friends.
“I’m not going to lock myself in my cabin and order my meals because I intend to make myself accessible to the fans. Esa es la ley, that’s the law.”
Although Augustine is a genuine living Tejano music legend, the following mini bio is provided so our younger readers can learn a little bit of his musical history.
As most Chicanos during the rocking 1950s, Augustine joined Los Jesters in 1957. A year later, he became the lead singer for Los Dominos, another rock’n’roll band.
Next came stints singing harmony, and as a guitar player with Los Latinos de Fred Salas plus the Roy Montelongo Orchestra.
“I knew all of Isidro López’s songs, so when Fred would take a break, he would let me sing a couple of tunes. After getting the experience of three bands under his belt, he formed his own orchestra and recorded his first album with Disco Grande in 1962.
“I was lucky in that I was at the right place at the right time when Fred (Salas) asked me to sit in with during a gig at the Manhattan Club in Dallas,” Guti, as he is also known continued.
“The venue is where El Zarape Records owner, Johnny González, and Capri Records owners, Luther and Vivian de la Garza would hold their dances.
“When Fred took a break and I sang a couple of songs, Johnny heard me. He liked what he heard and offered me a contract with his label. What I didn’t know is that Little Joe’s contract was about to expire and he was looking for a replacement. Then he asked (Little) Joe to take me on tour as his opening act. What a break. What luck!”
Long story short, Ramírez considers “El Barco Chiquito,” which went Gold, as the song that opened the doors for him as a solo act.
Although “Aquella Noche,” “El Gusto es Suyo,” “Damelo” and other productions made Billboard’s “Hot Latin LPs” charts, the Lockhart, Texas-native considers “Tres Ramitas,” “Paloma Dejame Hir” and “Sangre de Indio,” to be his fan’s favorite tunes.
As for his moniker, the Tejano Music Hall of Fame inductee said, “It was Chicago’s famous Zunigas that baptized me with that name, ‘La Ley de Tejas,’ back in the ‘60s.”
Ramírez, who has received the “Keys to the City of Beeville” and was honored with a Proclamation of “Augustine Ramírez Day” in Lockhart, continues to perform all over the Southwest, plus as far as Wyoming plus Kansas and the Tri-State area of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.
One of the latest honors bestowed on Guti is the inclusion of a leopold-print vest he wore on a 1960s poster and later CD in the “Legends of Tejano Music” exhibit at the Wittliff Collections located in the seventh floor of the Albert B. Alkek Library at Texas State University.
The exhibit includes stage outfits and personal items owned by Little Joe, Sunny, Freddie Martínez, Rubén and Alfonso Ramos, Carlos Guzmán and countless other legends.
On the female vocalist side, there are dresses and costumes that were worn by Lydia Mendoza, Laura Canales, Patsy Torres,on up to Elida of Avante, Shelly Lares and Isabel Marie.
The exhibit just opened its doors and will remain up until December 20. Now, getting back to the cruise, if you have never cruised, don’t just put it in your ‘bucket list,’ do it. Go to www.tejanosoulcruise.com and sign up.
Then get ready to put on your dancing shoes and “tighten up’ to the music of Archie Bell of the Drells. Or, just kick back and enjoy the soul filled voices of Jimmy Edward, Joe Jama and Chris Q.
Other Tejano artists scheduled to perform are Ram Herrera and Charanga King Hugo Guerrero. For eye-candy, girl watchers can feast their eyes on Stephanie Lynn, Candace Vargas and Tracy Pérez as they dance and belt out their hits.
Then there’s MC2, the Mambo Jazz Kings, and Los Hermanos Cortez, plus Avizo and Wild Bill Perkins’ all-star cruise band backing up all the acts. In other words, there’s something for everybody.
Your host and emcee for this fun time cruise will be Houston’s Ms. Bea Zarate and Jumpin’ Jess. The price of the cruise, which sets sail from Galveston on Monday, November 13 and returns on November 18, includes fees, gratuities, food, room and entry to all shows.
No passport is needed for U.S. citizens, but a birth certificate is mandatory. And don’t’ forget that acting cruise sheriff ‘La Ley de Tejas’ is laying down the law.
“That right,” Ramírez reiterated, “For everybody to have a good time, get down and have fun. That’s the law!”
Alamo City Comic Con Experience 2017
Story by: David A. De La Rosa
Photographs by: Joseph Martinez
Alamo City Comic Con Experience 2017
This past weekend I attended San Antonio’s fifth installment of our local pop culture festival known as the Alamo City Comic Con (May 26th – 28th at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center). Convention goers’ have a chance to cut loose and let their inner geek out. This event allows the attendees the opportunity to dress up in costume and in makeup as their favorite superheroes or villains. It’s very common to see a whole family; mom, dad, and the kiddies dressed as their favorite hero’s.
People come to this convention for the spectacle of the event, to purchase limited edition artwork and collectibles. People go to be seen in their costumes and freely welcome people to take pictures with them if asked. There is also a contingent of professional cosplayers there who have awesome costumes and sell their pictures or offer to pose with attendees for a small fee. For me I like going to this event for a chance to meet some my favorite film and television stars. Whatever the reason people come to this event it all boils down to fun at a reasonable price.
There were many opportunities for the attendees to meet their favorite television or film stars that were scheduled for this event. Either directly by obtaining an autograph at a booth, or a free meet & greet or photo ops, also being able to ask some these celebrities in a panel setting, questions about their lives and television/film work. I attended no less than eight panels in the three day period, each one was very interesting.
The panels that I attended broke down into two groups. The first group, were panels dealing with actors connected to movies and television I grew up with from the ‘80s (i.e. The Goonies, Cheers, Star Wars, & Rocky IV). The second group of panels that I attended were concerning more current pop culture involving television/film and comics (Karl Urban, Kristin Bauer, Frank Miller, & Rob Schneider).
The first panel I attended was The Goonies panel. The panel was comprised of some of the key child actors of that film Sean Astin, Corey Feldman, & Ke Huy Quan. Seeing these actors speak about one of my favorites films growing up, made me get nostalgic for the ‘80s. They were all charming and were fully engaged with the panel audience’s questions. One question posed by the audience was why they never made a sequel; basically there wasn’t a quality script or idea that the three producers (Spielberg, Donner, and Columbus) of the film could agree on in order to make a sequel.
The next panel I went to was the Cheers panel. Two of the main characters of this very talented ensemble cast made it to this panel, George Wendt (Norm) and John Ratzenberger (Cliffy). Growing up, I never missed a Thursday night episode of this classic NBC sitcom. Both of these gentlemen were laid back and very charming, answering all the panel audiences’ questions. For me it was another trip down memory lane.
The main panel of this convention in my opinion was the Star Wars panel. I love anything dealing with Star Wars, and I eagerly awaited this opportunity to see these two actors. The actors that attended were Ian Mcdiarmid (the evil Emperor Palpatine) and Peter Mayhew (everyone’s favorite Wookie, Chewbacca). To begin this panel Mr. Mcdiarmid was escorted to the stage with red imperial guards on either side, with John Williams Imperial March being played in the background, a great entrance. Each gentleman gave interesting anecdotes, about their experiences working on these epic films. One funny anecdote was one in which Mr. Mayhew discussed his displeasure working in the Pacific Northwest filming forest scenes for Return of The Jedi. Mr. Mayhew was informed by the director that this was Bigfoot territory, and to not wander off, the idea being that someone might take a shot at him with his Chewbacca costume on. On a sad note, Mr. Mayhew informed the audience that Carrie Fisher was scheduled to attend this event, and she was sorely missed due to her untimely death.
A panel that I almost missed entirely was the Rob Schneider (Saturday Night Live, Duce Bigalow: Male Gigolo) panel. I really enjoy this comedian’s work, on the small/big screen. He spoke about the current political environment in this country as it pertains to stand up comedy. His speaking on this topic was very serious and thought provoking, it made me think of this man in a different light. He said the worst form of censorship was self censorship. He doesn’t believe in the way students are protesting their views in college campuses, and refuses to perform his act in any college campus, due these students’ activities.
Another panel that I really wanted to go to was the Rocky panel, which was comprised of Carl Weathers (Apollo Creed), and Dolph Lundgren (Drago). I am a very big fan of the Rocky movies and both these gentlemen were important to the Rocky film franchise. These two actors were very funny, charming and friendly rapport with the audience. If anyone has a chance to see these two men at a convention do it, you will leave very satisfied you did.
The Kristen Bauer was one panel, I wanted to attend. For those people who don’t know this actress she played Pam in the True Blood series and also played Maleficent on ABCs Once Upon a Time. This lady is very sweet, honest and down to earth. She is everything a Hollywood actress should be, but almost never is. I was walking by the autograph section of the convention center and a volunteer by Ms. Bauer’s booth said that a free meet and greet was fully acceptable, by Ms. Bauer. So my party and I went up to her shake her hand and say hello. Ms. Bauer couldn’t have been more gracious. If anyone has an opportunity to meet this actress please do it you won’t be disappointed.
One panel that has great significance, in the comic book world, was the Frank Miller panel. This man in the past 40 years has developed a modern adult content in comic books that has never been totally realized until now, in such titles as Daredevil, Batman, Sin City & 300. His stories are very gritty, and have a film noire visual feel to them. The panel was good but I’m not up par on his current project which is the DKIII limited series. There is one issue left to complete the story arch to be released in two weeks, he and other panel members said to read the last page, meaning something significant ends the storyline. Side note my partner covering this event witnessed a chance meeting between two comic book icons, Neal Adams and Frank Miller each one spoke to the other about their mutual admiration.
The last panel was a great one with Karl Urban. For those of you who don’t know this actor, he is currently portraying Dr. McCoy, in the new Star Trek reboot film franchise. This actor has been in many blockbusters such as Star Trek, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and The Chronicles of Riddick films. He has also had a turn portraying one of my favorite comic book characters Judge Dredd. Mr. Urban was very funny and very interesting. Anyone there in attendance could tell that he was having fun being there answering questions from the audience. This is another actor I must say if you have a chance to see in person at a convention setting make the effort to do it, he’s worth it.
My observations of this event were over all very favorable. I was glad to see the Black Friday promotion was still in effect offering a greatly reduced discount. Also those passes were mailed to the purchaser, that was a great convenience. For the most part there wasn’t any large lines to get into the convention center, people got in right way. All the panels I attended ran on time, with an exception, of a few cancellations.
I did notice that attendance for this event was down considerably. I think two factors contributed to the lower than normal turnout. The first factor was that this event was held on Memorial Day weekend. A lot of people go out of town to visit family, go to the cemetery, or cookout. The second factor that affected the attendance numbers was that on Saturday, The River City Rockfest was held. This festival had 22 bands performing which included the likes of Def Leppard, Godsmack, The Offspring, and Pap Roach. A lot of people attending that event would have normally bought passes to go to the Alamo City Comic Con. I think that in the future the comic con organizers need to schedule, taking into account conflicting concerts/events. Every year is a learning process of what works and what doesn’t work. Each year there is improvement with this event, and the organizers strive for perfection. Next year’s con will be even better learning from these issues.
David A. De La Rosa: River City Attractions