June 2008 Archives

Concerts Calender 7/1: Jesse & Joy, Lonely Boys, Ybarra

on June 30, 2008 7:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Coming up:
'Alvarez Vietnam Story' fundraiser to feature music, comedy
Marco Antonio Solís: new 'Una Noche en Madrid' CD
Kany Garcia back on tour

Mexican pop, country, rock/blues and Tex-Mex is on tap for a holiday weekend as July 4th festivals mark area celebrations.

Pete Ybarra & Grupo Fuego YbarraPete 4 2008.jpg Solid Tex-Mex band keeps the dance floor packed. Fans know Pete Ybarra was the original accordion player for Emilio Navaira when he started his band back in 1989. Cadillac Bar, 212 S. Flores. No cover. Also July 11, Artie V & Suave; July 18, Soulstruck Movement; July 25, Final Cut. www.myspace.com/cadillacbar

Willie Nelson's Family Picnic Massive July 4th festival featuring Los Lonely Boys, Merle Haggard, Pat Green, Ray Price, David Allan Coe and Del Castillo. Fourth of July Fest at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. $27-$67 at Ticketmaster.

Maravia Veteran group plays variety of funk, oldies, Tex-Mex and more. Club Movida. Saturday.

Louis Shati Orchestra Solid Latin, salsa, Tex-Mex band whips up an alluring mixture of dance music. 9:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Arjon's International Club. Shati says he's been busy working on his next CD which he expects out by mid-Sept.

Roger Velasquez & Latin Legends Tight group offers a wide array of funk, oldies, Tex-Mex and more. Thursdays at Bar on Broadway, 2411 Broadway. Smoke can get dense at this low-ceiling bar.

For Fireworks roundup check this story.

Oscar Rodriguez Virtuoso guitarist plays a hot mix of rock, blues, Tex-Mex and more. Grant St. Pizza, 8:30 p.m. Fridays; Pat O'Briens, 3 p.m. Saturdays.

Conjunto Experiencia Conjunto tops alineup that includes Los Aguilares, Virginio Castillo y Los Trobadores, Los Cachis, Conjunto Sereno, TNT Co., Rocky Hernandez & OBG Band, "El Pavo Grande" Salvador Garcia, and Abel y Xperiencia Band. Arturo's Sports Bar & Grill, 3310 S. Zarzamora St. Frida

Bernardo y sus Compadres Conjunto legends headline a bill that also features Los Homies de Andy Saenz and "El Pavo Real" Salvador Garcia 9 p.m. Friday. Lerma's, 1602 N. Zarzamora St. Also George y Mague, Hermanos DeLeon, 8 p.m. Saturday; Henry Zimmerle, Los Conjunto Kings de Flavio Longoria, 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Los Palominos Neo-trad conjunto band headlines Thursday at Graham Central Station. Also July 4, Stampede; July 11, David Lee Garza; July 18, Ramiro Herrera; July 25, Desperados; Aug 1. Bobby Pulido

Jesse y Joy Young brother/sister duo from Mexico City has been riding a wave of popularity behind critically acclaimed debut album "Esta Es Mi Vida." Wednesday,July 2. Club Rio, U.S. 281 at Bitters. Free but ticket controlled by KRIO, Digital 104.1.

More details: Jesse y Joy: young duo riding the wave toward the Grammys

Jorge Alejandro y La Paz Singer/songwriter Alejandro is a versatile artist who mixes cumbias, boleros, rancheras and more. Thursday. George's Place, 5214 Blanco Rd. (210) 340-1275. Also Roger Velasquez &
The Latin Legends, Saturday; George's All Star Band 9 p.m. Sunday.

Devil's Hollow Trio Rock band celebrates CD rerlease with a festival featuring (in order) Moreno Boys, CJ 7, DSeano & Housejacks, All-In Blues Band, Flywood. Sam's Burger Joint. Music starts 6 p.m., July 4. CD Release party is a send-off for Hollow Trio as the band is touring California in July $8, all ages. Devils Hollow Trio also playing River Road on Thursday. Details: www.myspace.com/devilshollowtrio www.myspace.com/flywood www.myspace.com/theallinblueband

Alvarez Vietnam Story Fundraiser Gathering will feature Patsy Torres, Liza Ybarra, and comedian Cleto Rodriguez. 8 p.m. Friday, July 4. Blue Bubble Ballroom, 9315 Broadway (just outside the loop). $25. For more info contact Yolanda Ayala (210) 310-6377

Los Camaroneros de Fred Saldaña Solid band plays classic conjunto and the occasional blues. 5 p.m. every Sunday, Reptilez Sports Bar, 5418 Old Hwy. 90.

Ricky Naranjo y Los Gamblers Solid conjunto band brings it on. 9 p.m. Saturday, July 5. Cuauhtemoc Hall, 1101 Patton St., San Marcos. Presented by Slick Entertainment Promotion.

Sean Castillo & the Hubcaps Solid band takes the stage 6 p.m. Sunday as part of the "Swing Factory":Sunday dance/concert series at Blue Bubble Ballroom, 9315 Broadway (just outside the loop). Cover: $5. All ages. 7-8 p.m. complimentary beginner swing Lessons by SASDS. Also, July 13, Harry & the Hightones; July 20, Johnny P & the Wiseguys, July 27, TBA.

Fiesta Noche Del Rio Huge summer revue underway at Arneson Theater. Performances will includes the Fiesta Noche del Rio cast, including Elizabeth Sanchez-Lopez and Willie "El Curro" Champion. The Fiesta Noche Del Rio, which features the songs and dances of Mexico, Spain, Argentina and Texas in a seven-act outdoor performance, has been held each summer for 50 years. It's considered the longest-running outdoor musical revue of its kind in the U.S.

Presented by the Alamo Kiwanis Club, the show has raised more than $3 million for local children's charities. The summer season runs through Aug. 9. with performances at 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are $5-15. Group and military discounts are available at H-E-B stores. For tickets, call (210) 226-4651 or visit www.fiestanochedelrio.com.

Main Plaza High Noon Music Series lunch-time music in the Plaza continues Tuesdays through Fridays through August, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. with Main Plaza Conservancy's High Noon Music Series. High Noon Tuesdays and Thursdays features jazz music; mariachi music is showcased on Wednesdays. High Noon Fridays features an eclectic mix of Latin music. Raza en la Plaza - 'People in the Plaza;' series is 7-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturday, through August (except Fridays in July). Also Sunday Tocaditas with Foxy & Rabbit, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sundays.

Liberty Band Headlines "Dance the Night Away" Summer Bash. Fountain Bleau, 8353 Culebra. $8-$10 tickets on sale at Janie's and Del Bravo records and also Fountain Bleau,. 8 p.m. July 12. (210) 789-2484

Oldies But Goodies Bash Annual Blessed Sacrament Church fundraiser features Rocky Hernandez & OBG Band with special guest Rudy T. Band is Rocky Hernandez, drums, Nando Aguilar, bass; Sammy Luna, sax and Bobby Villa, lead guitar. July 12. Blessed Sacrament Hall, Oblate at Shannon Lee. Tickets are $75 and include a full meal, drinks and door/raffle prizes. For tickets/reservations call Ricardo Gonzalez (210) 833-1213 Palominos concert 6 2008.jpg

Los Palominos Conjunto group team up with Dallas Tejano band Grupo Stampede. Cuauhtemoc Hall, 1101 Patton St., San Marcos. 8 p.m. Friday, July 11.

Dancing Under the Stars Weekly Thursday night jam session on the patio hosted by Los Hermanos De Leon with special guests who drop in. Regulars include Andy Saenz of the Homies, Salvador "El Pavo" Garcia of Los Pavo Reales, Bene Medina, Coy Serna, Mambo Ibarra, Henry Galvan, Flavio Longoria. Thursdays, Bosmans, 672 Elks @ Zarzamora. Details: myspace. com/bosmanshbk1,

Flex Red-hot Panamanian singer Flex checks in at Club Rio on July 25. If you haven;theard of Flex you will soon. His pop hit "Te Quiero" is a reggaeton dance party tune. Call the club for tickets (210) 403-2582

Los Tovares Solid Tejano band headlines Lucky Roads, Lytle, Texas. July 25.

Belanova72007WS_20027.mp3

Ruben Ramos & Mexican Revolution Austin band headlines "Primetime Tejano Music RamosRuben 2.jpg fest" featuring Gary Hobbs,Tex-Maniacs, Los Gallos, Los Texas Wranglers with special guest Augustin Ramirez. Fiesta Gardens, Austin. 2-10 p.m. Sunday, July 27. $5 Details call (512) 845-3136

Texas 2008 Music Festival Will feature country, rock, Tex-Mex and more. Bands include David Lee Garza, Intocable, Los Lobos, Los Horoscopos de Durango. Labor Day, Aug. 29-Sept.1. Reliant Arena and Eleanor Tinsley Park in Houston. Details: www.txmusicfest.com

Noelia Pop singer from Puerto Rico is on a tour for her new CD "Volverte a Ver," that brings her to Club Rio. Aug. 21.

Azul "Noche Azul de Esperanza" features singer/songwriter Azul will present boleros. Also performing will be Joel Dilly, Paul Ward and Bett Butler. Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, 922 San Pedro Ave. Wednesday, July 9. $5.

Tejano Music National Convention Debut in Dallas for three-day conference. Featuring Sunny Sauceda, Jay Perez, Shelly Lares, the Royal Jesters, Michael Salgado, Ruben Ramos and more. Dallas Convention Center, Dallas. Aug. 15-17. www.tejanoticket.com.

TV/Film: 'The Fifth Horseman Is Fear' on hope and darkness

Ramiro Burr

on June 30, 2008 1:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Coming up:
Kany Garcia back on tour
Concerts Calendar 7/1

Stayed up late last night watching TV and came into a pleasant surprise, a movie called: "The Fifth Horseman is Fear" on TCM, Channel 71. It starred Miroslav Machacek as Dr. Braun and Olga Scheinpflugova as the music teacher.

Fifthhorseman_cover 315.JPG It is a fascinating movie, produced in 1968, with stark black-and-white cinematography. It is also a brutal yet mesmerizing story about a Jewish doctor who tries to make a human contact in a bizarre backdrop that is World War II Nazi Germany during the invasion of Czechoslovakia.

It is a time when human decency and individual ambition is trashed and put aside behind fascism, Stalinism and the grand machine.

In this wikipedia.org review, the film is about "the Holocaust that was directed by Zbynek Brynych. Instead of depicting gas chambers and concentration camps, the film examines the subtler but equally debilitating mental effects of oppression."

"The Fifth Horseman is Fear" is a grim film, made more so by its black and white imagery. In summary, the film is powerful in its depiction of an individual who risks his life to help someone who is considered a fugitive, a criminal in a time where madness reigns.

The central protagonist, Dr. Braun, is riveting in his portrayal of a man caught between duty and political oppression. There is so much ominous fear and dread throughout the Hitchcockian film, one can never relax or allay the sense of danger. Yet that is what makes this film all the more powerful. One individual trying to do the right thing, at a time when his actions can have deadly consequences.

More details:
http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title.jsp?stid=716389
http://olivias-blog71017.blogspot.com/2008/06/watch-fifth-horseman-is-fear-online.html
http://filmjournal.net/clydefro/2008/06/28/the-tcm-ten-628-74/

The film was shown on TCM last night and unfortunately, there is no upcoming scheduled showing of that film within the next 10 days. We suggest you put a Google alert on it for a future showing.

Drop us a comment if you happened to have watched it last night.

Music stories, photos:
Jorge Negrete: ranchera singer in CD tribute
Jenni Rivera arrested on assault charge
Los Palominos to tagteam with Grupo Stampede in San Marcos
Weekender: Fito, MOD Concert, Camila
Alejandro Escovedo: retrospective on 'Real Animal'
Thalia has summer in mind on her new CD 'Lunada'
Ramon Gonzalez-Mora: 'BMI honor another home run'
Mexican singer Pablo Montero making progress in court case
Concerts Calendar 6/24: Menudo, Fito, Camila
VFW Post 4700: music, dance, good-times
Latin Grammy panel: 'the new digital scene transformative'
Ha*Ash: new single "No te quiero nada" on understanding
Latin Night showcase: Grupo Fuego at Sam Houston Club
Alejandra Guzmán: new CD 'Fuerza' more reflective
Concerts Calendar 6/17: Fuego, Santiago, Fiesta Noche
Cabas: more acoustic, romantic on new CD 'Amores Dificiles'
Tejano Academy Fanfare 2008: Maldad, Castillon, Ram
Bobby Esquivel & Liberty Band: Hawaiian Luau
Weekender: Opera, Father's Day Shows, Luau
Emilio update: passengers on tour bus crash file lawsuits
Bo Diddley, rock legend dead at 79
Internet passes radio, next to TV as 'most essential media in the U.S.'
'History of Texas Music' delivers detail, context, perspective

Jorge Negrete: ranchera singer in CD tribute

Ramiro Burr

on June 29, 2008 7:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Coming up:
Kany Garcia back on tour
Concerts Calendar 7/1

One of the greatest ranchera singers in Mexican history - Jorge Negrete, is back in the spotlight.

NegreteJorge image002 6 2008.jpg More than 50 years after his death, Sony BMG Latin is released a special CD/DVD in his honor. "El Charro Cantor," as he was also known, is one of the top all-time ranchera singers in Mexico.

Alongside Pedro Infante and Javier Solis, Jorge Negrete represents the finest singers ever recorded in the history mariachi/ranchera singers.

Negrete and Infante were particularly popular during the Golden Age of Cinema in Mexico. Negrete and Infante were also popular singing cowboys, similar to Gene Autry and Roy Rogers in the United States.

The new CD is titled "El Charro Cantor... Éxitos de Película," an audio and video release featuring the most famous songs in Jorge Negrete's repertoire and two movies fthat Negrete starred in. The movies are "Hasta que perdió Jalisco" and "Tal para cual."

Among the hits in the CD are "México lindo y querido" and "Ay Jalisco, no te rajes."

The new release is being distributed in three packages including a CD with 20 tracks, a CD and two movie combo package and an additional combo package that comes in a DVD box with two movies and a CD.

Here is the track listing for the Jorge Negrete CD/DVD "El Charro Cantor... Éxitos de Película":

CD
Yo Soy Mexicano
Paloma Querida
El Hijo Del Pueblo
Ella
San Luis Potosí
Entre Suspiro Y Suspiro
Hasta Que Perdió Jalisco
Parranda Larga
Qué Suerte La Mía
La Que Se Fue
El Charro Mexicano
Juan Charrasqueado
Beguine The Beguine
México Lindo Y Querido
¡Ay Jalisco No Te Rajes!
Fiesta Mexicana
Me He De Comer Esa Tuna
Despierta
La Chancla
Hermosas Fuentes

DVD
A: "Hasta Que Perdió Jalisco"
B: "Tal Para Cual" (with Jorge Negrete y Luis Aguilar)

More details: www.sonybmglatin.com

Jenni Rivera arrested on assault charge

Ramiro Burr

on June 28, 2008 4:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Coming up:
Jorge Negrete: ranchera singer in CD tribute
Kany Garcia back on tour

Mexican ranchera singer Jenny Rivera was arrested last week on charges of assault in North Carolina.

RiveraJenni 6 2008.JPG According to the Notimex news agency, Rivera was performing at a concert in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina.

The news reports indicated that while she was performing onstage, someone threw a beer can onstage and struck her on the leg.

Rivera, 38, suffered injuries to her leg and was apparently very mad about the incident. As reported by the Mexican newspaper El Universal, Rivera asked the person who threw the can to come up on the stage. And when that person did so, Rivera apparently assaulted her,

That person later called police claiming she was assaulted. Rivera was later arrested on charges of assault. Rivera was released on $3,000 bond.

Rivera has a date to appear at the local court jurisdiction on July 25.

Jennii Rivera's latest CD is titled "Mi Vida Loca," in reference, she said in an interview, to her having survived teen motherhood, two troubled marriages and taking care of her five children.

All this, while maintaining a busy touring and recording schedule as a red-hot norteno/banda singer.

Rivera is known, like fellow banda singer Paquita Del Barrio, as an outspoken male-bashing singer.

In a 2007 interview, Rivera said the title of the 11-track CD was appropriate because "It sang to my life. My life that has been very cravzy and different. I think I've lived happily. Difficultly, but happily."

The album features a blend of rancheras, corridos, cumbias, and polkas and lots of banda music's signature horn power.

Los Palominos to tagteam with Grupo Stampede in San Marcos

Ramiro Burr

on June 28, 2008 10:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Coming up:
Jenni Rivera arrested on assault charge
Kany Garcia back on tour
Thalia release 'Lunada'

Neo-traditional conjunto group Los Palominos team up with Dallas Tejano band Grupo Stampede for a concert in San Marcos next month. Palominos concert 6 2008.jpg

The concert is scheduled 8 p.m. Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at Cuauhtemoc Hall, 1101 Patton St. in San Marcos, Texas.

Presale tickets on sale now at $12 (buy 3 get one free) For details call (830) 743-0490 or (512)878-4924

One of the recent CD by Los Palominos is their ranchera and norteno tribute CD "Canciones de La Rockola."

Los Palominos have been mostly underrated through most of their career, perhaps because of their minimalist traditional style.

Yet, Los Palominos are still an essential piece of the Mexican-American mosaic. When Los Palominos say seminal bands like Los Alegres or Conjunto Bernal are their heroes, they're not just paying lip service.

This is the msuic they grew up with and have admired for years. This folk norteno style is marked by a genuine folk style that places much more attention on the often-poignant lyrics and simple, but achingly beautiful melodies.

Highlights on the CD include El Conjunto Bernal's "Aguanta Corazon," Los Relampagos del Norte's "Callejon Sin Salida," and Los Alegres de Teran's "El Palomito." All was recharged with a new tension.

Though Los Palominos are true to the original melodies, they add zest and spice with their added their distinctive stamp.

Weekender: Fito, MOD Concert, Camila

Ramiro Burr

on June 27, 2008 7:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Coming up:
Kany Garcia back on tour
Palominos/Stampede teamup for San Marcos show

Mexican rock and tropical cumbias highlight this weekend.

OlivaresFito2 319.JPG The big party tonight is the rare show by Fito Olivares, a top Influential cumbia player who leads his Pura Sabrosura Band at Graham Central Station, 4902 Fredericksburg Road,

Olivares retired, at least form thr touring road, about a year and a half ago, citing a minor health ailment. But apparently, he's feeling better because now he is back.

Among his biggest hits are "Juana La Cubana," "La Gallina," and "Aguita de Melon."

And coming up Sunday is a special show by Camila, one of Mexico's top pop/rock bands., The group plays Club Rio, U.S. 281 at Bitters on Sunday night.

But before then ,the band is scheduled for a pre-show meet-and-greet with fans at the Verizon Wireless Communications Store, 7635 N.W. Loop 410, from 3-5 p.m. Sunday. The band's debut "Todo Cambió," was released in Mexico in May 2006. Details at: (210) 647-8507.

Elsewhere, Final Cut takes the stage tonight at George's Place, 5214 Blanco Rd. and Allis Band drops in at the Cadillac Bar, 212 S. Flores

And don't forget the Tejanos for Heroes concert Sunday at Rosedale Park featuring Jay Perez, Ram Herrera & Outlaws, Stefani Montiel & Lush, Roger Velasquez & Latin Legends, Tex-Mex Kadillacks.. It is a March of Dime benefit. $5-$10. Gates at 2 p.m.

Got tips, news or info? Drop us a comment.

Alejandro Escovedo: retrospective on 'Real Animal'

Ramiro Burr

on June 25, 2008 4:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Coming up:
Kany Garcia back on tour
Weekend: Tex-Mex, pop, conjunto
Palominos/Stampede teamup for San Marcos show

Austin's singer/songwriter/guitarist Alejandro Escovedo takes the long view back on his latest CD, the Tony Visconti-produced "Real Animal."

EscobedoAlejandrorock_7 6 2008 313.JPG In some respects, the new CD on Back Porch is like a breath of fresh air, at least in comparison to his previous album, "The Boxing Mirror." That previous CD featured somber tunes on life and death.

The 13-track "Real Animal" rocks with lean but powerful force such as the upbeat "Always a Friend" and "Smoke." Even the dark, bluesy "People," has a positive vibrancy that is infectious.

Although he's widely reported as based in Austin, Escobedo actually lives in the scenic environs of beautiful, rural Wimberly. That laid-back setting out there must certainly have helped Escobedo take the long view on some of these stories.

Overall, Escobedo weaves various elements from punk, rock and alt-country, into a taut cohesive whole that never flags on this, his ninth studio CD. Other highlights include the punk-flavored "Nun's Song," the nostalgic rocker "Chips 'N' Tony," and the melancholic "Hollywood Hills."

EscobedoAlejandroCD 6 2008.jpg Longtime fans of Alejandro Escobedo have probably already snapped up this CD. For those on the fence, consider that singer/songwriters John Cale, Lou Reed are among Alejandro Escobedo's main influences.

In the end, this CD is about good grooves and captivating stories from one of Central; Texas' top singer/songwriters.

-- Ramiro Burr

Alejandro Escovedo
"Real Animal."
Back Porch/Manhattan
-- ** 1/2

More details:
www.alejandroescovedo.com

Thalia has summer in mind on her new CD 'Lunada'

Ramiro Burr

on June 25, 2008 11:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Coming up:
Alejandro Escovedo: retrospective on 'Real Animal'
Kany Garcia back on tour
Weekend: Tex-Mex, pop, conjunto
Palominos/Stampede teamup for San Marcos show

Mexican superstar Thalia says she is ready for summer with a new CD "Lunada."

Produced by Emilio Estefan, the CD,on EMI Televisa, is Thalia's 13th CD, and her first since 2006's "El Sexto Sentido."

In a news statement, Thalia describes "Lunada" as "an expression of freedom and rejoices."

"Lunada is a musical summer feast on a bright moon night. When I started to prepare this record I was in the middle of my pregnancy, and I had only one thought in mind: summer.

"My whole desire was to return to the beach to enjoy the summer weather and at a bonfire, surrounded by friends, listen to the music under the moon light, a real Lunada."

Thalia began the recording of "Lunada" in 2007 after the October birth of her baby daughter, Sabrina Sakae.

The first single is "Ten Paciencia." Thalia says that song was picked by her fans. During a recent two week period, Univision.com played two songs off the new CD. Fans ovewhelmingly picked "Ten Paciencia."

The CD includes a song Thalia dedicated to her daughter, Sabrina Sakae, titled "Bendita." Instead of a lullaby, it is a uptempo tune with a slight reggae favor.

Thalia said the song expresses "all of my feelings regarding the blessing to have that bundle of life in my hands."

Mailbag:
To Rosy from Alice, TX, asking about where to find Tortilla Factory CDs.

Check out www.Tejanoclassics.com.

Ramon Gonzalez-Mora: 'BMI honor another home run'

Ramiro Burr

on June 25, 2008 9:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Coming up:
'Thalia has summer in mind on her new CD 'Lunada''
Alejandro Escovedo: retrospective on 'Real Animal'
Kany Garcia back on tour
Palominos/Stampede teamup for San Marcos show

Singer/songwriter and ARC Record label head Ramon Gonzalez-Mora does it again - another prize for his songwriting talent.

Gonzalez-MoraRamon 6 2008 BMI 315.JPG Gonzalez-Mora was named among the winners at the recent BMI's 15th Annual Latin Awards in Los Angeles. He received the award for his hit tune "Voy a Llorar Por Ti." for Los Rielero Del Norte.

If the title rings familiar, it is because Ramon Gonzalez-Mora first wrote it for Conjunto Primavera.

Gonzalez-Mora said he was grateful for the honor:

"This years BMI award means that I'm still in the ballpark, after the fact that most of my BMI awards came for the songs that I wrote for Conjunto Primavera, ('Necesito Decirte', 'Morir De Amor,' 'No te podias Quedar,' 'Perdoname Mi Amor,' 'Aver cautiva')," Gonzalez-Mora said.

"It surely proves that there is more in the horizon for me. In terms of baseball, this BMI award means that some of my works made it across the field and that I scored a home run!," Gonzalez-Mora added. "I'm very happy and the motivation that I get from these awards carries me through to continue doing what I love the most, writing songs."

Ramon Gonzalez-Mora runs the ARC Record label which includes artists El Guero y Centenario and Aniceto Molina.

Full details on the BMI awards at BMI's 15th Annual Latin Awards.

Mexican singer Pablo Montero making progress in court case

Ramiro Burr

on June 25, 2008 9:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

MonteroPabloRed_Shirt1_8x6 300.JPG It's been slow going but Mexican singer Pablo Montero has been making progress in his most recent Miami court case.

According to a recent Peopleenespanol.com story, Montero was assigned a new date to appear in court next month by a Miami judge. This despite the fact that the judge congratulated Montero for passing a second drug test and for successfully attending rehab.

Montero, 34, remained upbeat though.

When judge Jeffrey Rosinek said he was pleased by Montero's second drug test, he still advised him to be careful, because the music and entertainment world was full of people involved in drugs. The judge was quoted: "My recommendation is that you be careful with your friends, because they could be your worst enemies."

To which Montero replied: "I think responsibility lies solely with the individual and not necessarily with anyone else."

Montero also told Lossip.com: "Estoy muy contento y agradecido con Dios por todo lo que está pasando. Todo esto sirve para madurar y para irme por donde debe de ser."

Montero, who has appeared in the telenovela "Cruz de olvido," was stopped last August for making an improper turn in his car and running a red light. Police officers allegedly found drugs in his car. Prosecutors offered to drop charges if Montero attended a drug rehab program in Mexico, where "Fuego en la sangre" is shot.

Montero has had his share of run-ins with authorities over the years.

As we reported earlier, in an interview about another incident in Mexico, with Univision.com, Montero was frank and philosophical.

El sitio Univision.com, reporta que Montero accedió a la entrevista con el arreglo que no abordarian el tema de la demanda y orden de presentación del Ministerio Público para responder por los cargos de daño a propiedad ajena, lesión y robo doloso.

Le preguntaron: ¿Cómo se define la personalidad de Pablo Montero?:
"Soy muy transparente, muy sincero en las cosas que yo hago, no tengo dos caras, soy como cualquier persona. Cuando estoy feliz soy feliz, cuando me enojo me enojo, y cuando invaden mi espacio también me molesto mucho porque yo respeto mucho a toda la gente, nunca me meto con nadie, jamás me he metido con nadie, nunca he tenido un problema hasta que se meten conmigo."

Montero cito las palabras del histórico Presidente de México, Don Benito Juárez García, quién dejó un legado al humanidad con su máxima. "Entre los individuos, como entre las Naciones, el respeto al derecho ajeno es la Paz."

Concerts Calendar 6/24: Menudo, Fito, Camila

Ramiro Burr

on June 25, 2008 8:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Coming up:
Alejandro Escovedo: retrospective on 'Real Animal'
Kany Garcia back on tour
Palominos/Stampede teamup for San Marcos show

Mexican cumbias, Latin pop, and Tex-Mex is on tap for the new few days including the weekend.

Menudo Old teen group is back with a new lineup - José, Carlos, Emmanuel, Chris, and Monti, winners of the MTV reality contest. Six Flags Fiesta Texas. June 26

Roger Velasquez & Latin Legends Tight group offers a wide array of funk, oldies, Tex-Mex and more. Thursdays at Bar on Broadway, 2411 Broadway. Smoke can get dense at this low-ceiling bar.

Final Cut Solid cover band plays variety of funk, oldies, Top 40, Spanish classics and more. Friday. George Rivas Band, Saturday. Jorge Alejandro y La Paz, Thursday. George's Place, 5214 Blanco Rd. (210) 340-1275. Also George's All Star Band 9 p.m. Sunday.

Main Plaza High Noon Music Series lunch-time music in the Plaza continues Tuesdays through Fridays through August, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. with Main Plaza Conservancy's High Noon Music Series. High Noon Tuesdays and Thursdays features jazz music; mariachi music is showcased on Wednesdays. High Noon Fridays features an eclectic mix of Latin music. Raza en la Plaza - 'People in the Plaza;' series is 7-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturday, through August (except Fridays in July). Schedule: Chistes y Musica, June 27-28. Also Sunday Tocaditas with Foxy & Rabbit, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sundays.

Fito Olivares Influential cumbia player brings his sax for a big party. Graham Central Station, 4902 Fredericksburg Road, Friday, June 27.

Allis Band Versatile band plays a mean mix of dance, disco, country, oldies, funk and more. Cadillac Bar, 212 S. Flores (210 223-5533

Los Hermanos De Leon Conjunto brothers band play each "Dancing Under the Stars" Thursday, Bosmans, 672 Elks @ Zarzamora. Other bands that play there include Andy Saenz of the Homies, Salvador "El Pavo" Garcia of Los Pavo Reales, Bene Medina, Coy Serna, Mambo Ibarra, Henry Galvan, Flavio Longoria. More details: myspace. com/bosmanshbk1,

Camila Pop/rock band plays Club Rio, U.S. 281 at Bitters. Sunday, June 29. The band's debut "Todo Cambió," was released in Mexico in May 2006.

Tejanos for Heroes Jay Perez and Ram Herrera & Outlaws headline March of Dime benefit. Also performing Stefani Montiel & Lush, Roger Velasquez & Latin Legends, Tex-Mex Kadillacks. Rosedale Park. June 29. $5-$10. Gates at 2 p.m.

Jesse & Joy Young brother/sister duo has been riding a wave of popularity behind debut album "Esta Es Mi Vida.". Club Rio. July 2. Special guests Tommy Torres and Jorge Villamizar. Palominos concert 6 2008.jpg

Los Palominos Conjunto group team up with Dallas Tejano band Grupo Stampede. Cuauhtemoc Hall, 1101 Patton St., San Marcos. 8 p.m. Friday, July 11.

VFW Post 4700: music, dance, good-times

Ramiro Burr

on June 24, 2008 7:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Coming up:
Kany Garcia back on tour
Palominos/Stampede teamup for San Marcos show
Thalia release 'Lunada'

Conjunto music is one of the underappreciated treasures in San Antonio.

PubCrawlVFWP86-52007 (25) 319.JPG And one of the best spots to check it out is a quiet, unassuming place that most tourists are unaware of.

However, hardcore conjunto fans are well aware of the place: VFW Post 4700 at 2219 Frio City Road.

It is huge, but it is also intimate.

Every weekend, the best known names in conjunto pioneers and players provide the entertainment including Henry Zimmerle, Fred Saldana y su Camaroneros, Eddie "Lalo" Torres, Nick Villarreal, and Flavio Longoria. There is rarely a cover.

If you like conjunto music, a big dancefloor and a place where you're treated like a regular, the VFW Post 4700 is your place.

Established on Oct. 25, 1945, the post has a storied past, according to Post Commander Robert De La Vega,

Latin Grammy panel: 'the new digital scene transformative'

Ramiro Burr

on June 23, 2008 7:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Coming up:
Kany Garcia back on tour
Palominos/Stampede teamup for San Marcos show
Thalia release 'Lunada'

The online revolution is unfolding so fast that many artists, especially in the smaller regional genres, are having a touch time catching up.

Should they use Myspace.com? Facebook? Twitter? Youtube?

A record label portal website or their own?

Should they give away some music? Or focus on ringtone?

Apparently, according to the experts, artists should do all of the above.

The panelists, including hip-hop singer/rapper Baby Bash and industry experts Velia Gonzalez, Demian Bellumio, and Herman Rodriguez-Bajandas. Your humble scribe moderated the event.

The "Pulso De La Musica 2008: Get Your Digital Game On" panels were presented June 12 by the Texas chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences.

More details in Baby Bash interview:

Baby Bash: Important to get 'your digital game on'

In the first panel, "Get Your Digital Game On," the experts stressed the need to branch out everyday to get a foothold.

"Rather than one or another website, I recommend they get on all of them," Bellumio said.

Baby Bash said that unlike many other stars, he spends lot of time on the Internet "hitting back" all the fans that visit his Myspace.com website.

In the end, the lesson from the first panel were: make sure your presence is all over online, take time to learn about all the new technologies, and make it a habit of giving away "free cookies" or free samples of your music. More on Baby Bash: Baby Bash: Important to get 'your digital game on'

In the second panel "How Technology is Affecting the Latin Music Biz," the experts covered a lot of ground.

Rodriguez-Bajandas stressed that artists need to keep all their information updated and easily accessible on their websites. Gonzalez explained that the new Media Guide software used by ASCAP is now picking up and identifying more songs on radio and online faster than ever before.

The end lessons: get on all the social networks out there, make use of all the song digitial distribution sites, and sign up for all the song publishing sites.

And don't forget the good old-fashioned tools like networking and maintaining professional relationships.

The recent explosion of online promotional and productivity websites come on the heels of some recent developments, as detailed here:

Internet passes radio, next to TV as 'most essential media in the U.S.'

These include the news that iTunes became the third largest retailer of music in the United States. In another sign that technology is racing far ahead of society, a new study reveals that the Internet has passed radio as the second most important media in the U.S.

In the engaging report, published by the Edison Research.com, the findings were startling. The Internet has made enormous advances in the importance it holds for the American consumer. The Internet has passed radio as the "most essential" medium in the U.S.

TV is first, radio is third and newspapers are fourth.

This has critical implications for numerous industries including radio, TV and other media, advertisers, record labels, business owners and more.

Even more startling statistics:

*"Five years later, Internet (33%) trails only television (36%). Radio dropped dramatically as "most essential" - from 26% to 17%."

*The report also indicated that for anyone below the age of 45, the Internet, more than television, is the "most essential" medium.

*Newspapers clearly 'least essential' among major medium, with 35% of Americans age 12 and older saying it is the least essential."

June 2008 Archives

Coming up:Kany Garcia back on tourPalominos/Stampede teamup for San Marcos showThalia release 'Lunada'Conjunto music is one of the underappreciated treasures in San Antonio.

It is huge, but it is also intimate.

Every weekend, the best known names in conjunto pioneers and players provide the entertainment including Henry Zimmerle, Fred Saldana y su Camaroneros, Eddie "Lalo" Torres, Nick Villarreal, and Flavio Longoria. There is rarely a cover.

If you like conjunto music, a big dancefloor and a place where you're treated like a regular, the VFW Post 4700 is your place.

Established on Oct. 25, 1945, the post has a storied past, according to Post Commander Robert De La Vega,

Coming up:
Kany Garcia back on tour
Palominos/Stampede teamup for San Marcos show
Thalia release 'Lunada'

Conjunto music is one of the underappreciated treasures in San Antonio.