October 2008 Archives

Coming up:
Luis Miguel talks about new "maturity" on CD
Crooked Stilo to play LA's Knitting Factory in Hollywood 
Top Latin Producers Valenzuela Twiins joined Ozomatli 

New salsa club, Latin alt and Halloween parties galore are in store this weekend.

Also coming up in a few days is a CD release party at the Cadillac by newcomer Elizabeth. Also, beautiful fall weather abounds and check out that full moon.

First up, is Monte Negro, an LA-based band that plays a fun mix of Latin alternative music. The group drops in at Joe's Patio Bar, 2950 Thousand Oaks. Tonight, Friday, Oct. 31. www.myspace.com/montenegrorocks,  www.montenegrorocks.com/

Salsa/merengue fans have plenty to party about with the news of the new Old San Juan, a club at 4427 Walzem.

The n ew tropical club/restaurant opened Thursday and opening weekend festivities continues through Sunday. There's lots of dance space.The schedule includes Son Cache Fri-Sat (Oct.31, Nov. 1) and Orquesta Tropicante Sunday, Nov. 2. Also DJ Papote and DJ 2Leo.

Groups here tend to play a little on the uncomfortable, high end of the volume scale.

Between sets DJs Saint and Hobby unload.

**Also, singer Elizabeth hosts her own CD release party for her CD "Siempre," produced by Grammy-Award winning producer Gilbert Velasquez. The CD release is scheduled 7 p.m.  Wednesday, Nov. 5. Cadillac Bar.

And speaking of Elizabeth, she is performing Saturday at George's Place, 5214 Blanco Rd. (210) 340-1275. She'll be playing all of ofher new material so check it out.

Then there's the Tejano Heritage Dance showcasing Roger Velasquez & Latin Legends and Latin Funk DeeJay Richard Martinez on Saturday night, Nov. 1 at Pueblo Hall, 3315 Northwestern Drive. (210) 520-7400. $7.

Elsewhere,... more Halloweend parties including PrimeTime Tejano Halloween Party, a TV show celebrating 18 year anniversary. The 2009 series kicks off in October and Producer/Director Jerry Avila wants to kickoff the 2009 series with a big Halloween party. Featuring Sunny Ozuna, JR & The Starlites, DJ Music. Halloween costume contest worth $100. Monarch Event Center, 6406 N. IH 35 Ste 3100, Austin. 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. 512-845-3136 www.monarcheventcenter.com $10-$15 

MORE Halloween,...

Treat Street Celebration Major family festival features trick-or-treating activities for children, talent showcase, as well as performances by singers Jennifer and Jessica Espinoza, rapper Da Brat, rock group Insergo and country artist Ally Brooke Hernandez. Market Square. Free. Noon-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31.

Roger Velasquez & Latin Legends Top group shines with its repertoire and virtuosity. Luckey Road Saloon, 10/31 (Halloween Party) 

Centro Cultural Aztlán Dia de los Muertos Exhibition includes 70 artists and community members creating altars associated with Dia de los Muertos. Featuring Liza Ybarra, Urban 15 dancers and drummers. 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. (210) 432-1896. Centro Cultural Aztlan, 1800 Fredericksburg Rd., Ste 103

Los Desperadoz Conjunto/Tejano fusion band. Friday, Oct. 31. Graham Central Station, Fredericksberg at Loop 410.

 

Related stories, photos:
2008 Latin Grammys: DLG, Carr among performers
LA rock band Monte Negro swings through on Texas tour
Old San Juan nightclub: music, dance, party fever

Concerts Calendar 10/28: salsa, Latin alt, Halloween and more
Treat Street Fest: family fun and children's entertainment
ATAM Awards ceremony 2008 photos: fun, exciting, memorable
Blessed Sacrament Halloween fest offers family fun; Herrera headlines
ATAM 2008: Herrera, DLG, Velasquez, Posada
Concert Calendar 10/21: Awards, church fests, Lonely Boys
Veterano Festival honors late Escobar, showcases conjunto bands
Salsa music updates: Mora, Suazo, Mendez
Concerts Calendar 10/14: LuisiMi, Fiebre, Nataly
Kinky, Night Ranger headline international border fest
Party on the Plaza reloads for 10/14: Tropa, Stef, Vida
News/updates: Nataly Pena, Gabriel CD debut, new Fama single 
Emilio, Kumbia All Starz, Freddie Martinez among Latin Grammy nominees 
Dallas Cowboys MNF pre-game show to include Jay Perez 
Jose Jose: asks media to ignore 3 pilfered chapters from forthcoming book 
POP 2008: showcasing top stars in downtown Houston 
Concerts Calendar: Salgado, Monserrat, Azul 
Iglesias/Aventura rock the AT&T Center Saturday
Fama, Flaco Jimenez, Ruco Villarreal music updates
Los Creadorez wrapping up successful tour
Early fall concerts: Iglesias, LuisMi, Grammys
Concerts Calendar 8/19: Gonzalez, Rio Band, Los Galleros
TMNC: The future still potentially bright for Tejano
Mexican pop group RBD is breaking up?
Intocable's Munoz says new CD '2C' is a 'back-to-the-future' work
Esteban 'Steve' Jordan: All-Star Tribute Sunday in Austin
Upcoming concerts: Iglesias, LuisMi, Grammys
TMNC2008: Sauceda, Salgado, Perez, Pulido and more
Little Joe, Ruben Ramos among All Stars on tribute CD to De La Rosa
Dan Segura dead; Tejano pioneer blazed trail
Grammy importance stressed at RyN conf in LA
Radio Notas: Women behind radio; SA leaders at LA confab 
Yuridia: free video performance via SoundCheck
Transition: Jones, Wexler, Moore
Twiins + DJ Flex = hit tune
Gloria Estefan selected as the 2008 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year
Tortilla Factory: on the comeback trail PT II
Little Joe, Ruben Ramos among All Stars on tribute CD to De La Rosa

 

 

Coming up:
Weekender: Halloween bashes, Elizabeth CD party
Luis Miguel talks about new "maturity" on CD Crooked Stilo to play LA's Knitting Factory in Hollywood Top Latin Producers Valenzuela Twiins joined Ozomatli

San Antonio's Vikki Carr and accordionist David Lee Garza will be among the performers for the 2008 Latin Grammy ceremonies scheduled Nov. 13 at Houston's Toyota Center.

MORE GRAMMY NEWS:
Houston's pre-Grammy concert sked updated
Emilio, Kumbia All Starz, Freddie Martinez among Latin Grammy nominees 
Upcoming concerts: Iglesias, LuisMi, Grammys
Early fall concerts: Iglesias, LuisMi, Grammys
Grammy importance stressed at RyN conf in LA
Feliciano, Carr, Gilberto among 2008 Latin Grammy Special Awards recipients
Cafe Tacuba, Emilio among 2008 Latin Grammy nominees
Gloria Estefan selected as the 2008 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year

Also performing at the event will be Flex featuring Belinda, Juanes, Café Tacuba, Olga Tañón. Julieta Venegas, Kany García, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Alejandrá Guzman, and Rosario. For ticket information visit here.

The 2008 Latin Grammys ceremonies will be broadcast at 7 p.m. CST Nov. 13 on the Univision Network. Hosting the awards wil be actors Cristián de la Fuente and Patricia Manterola. Presenters will include actors Karyme Lozano, Eugenio Siller, and Mayrín Villanueva and Buika.

According to the Grammy.com folks, "International superstar Juanes is nominated for five awards: Album Of The Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Album for La Vida...Es Un Ratico, and Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year and Best Short Form Music Video for "Me Enamora." Reggaeton artist Flex has two nods for Best Urban Music Album (Te Quiero) and Best Urban Song ("Te Quiero"). Latin pop artist Rosario is up for Best Female Pop Vocal Album (Parte De Mí)."

For more information and a complete list of nominees, please visit www.grammy.com. Tickets are available to the general public and can be purchased at the Toyota Center Box Office at www.toyotacentertix.com, or by dialing 1.866.4HOUTIX (1.866.446.8849).

The Latin Recording Academy is an international, membership-based organization dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for Latin music and its makers. In addition to producing the Latin GRAMMY Awards to honor excellence in the recorded arts and sciences, The Latin Recording Academy provides educational and outreach programs for the Latin music community. For more details: www.grammy.com.

Related stories, photos:
Treat Street Fest: family fun and children's entertainment
ATAM Awards ceremony 2008 photos: fun, exciting, memorable

Blessed Sacrament Halloween fest offers family fun; Herrera headlines
ATAM 2008: Herrera, DLG, Velasquez, Posada
Concert Calendar 10/21: Awards, church fests, Lonely Boys
Veterano Festival honors late Escobar, showcases conjunto bands
Salsa music updates: Mora, Suazo, Mendez
News/updates: Nataly Pena, Gabriel CD debut, new Fama single 
Emilio, Kumbia All Starz, Freddie Martinez among Latin Grammy nominees 
Dallas Cowboys MNF pre-game show to include Jay Perez 
Jose Jose: asks media to ignore 3 pilfered chapters from forthcoming book 
POP 2008: showcasing top stars in downtown Houston

Coming up:
Rock group Monte Negro to play Joe's Patio Bar
New salsa club 'Old San Juan' to open Thursday
Luis Miguel talks about new "maturity" on CD
Top Latin Producers Valenzuela Twiins joined Ozomatli 

Just the other day I was bemoaning the lack of standup comedy in Mexico and/or lackof standup Mexican comedy with Raul Ledezma. There are too few comedians in Mexico and even less that tour the U,S,

There are precious few female comedians. But now comes along La Chupitos, whose dirt-poor, humble character reminds us of Carol Burnett's or Red Skeleton's famous comedic personas. At a Monday news conference, La Chupitos held forth on her work and philosphy.

Her homeless look also evokes the humble characters portrayed by Mexican comedians Cantiflas and singer/actor Pedro Infante.

(Photo right and next below courtesy Ramon Hernandez). Bottom photo from WKLang.com)

Now comes this report by our correspondent Ramón Hernández

Comedian La Chupitos has descended upon San Antonio to tickle the city's funny bone.

 The comedian, who is being hailed as Mexico's successor to Cantinflas is scheduled to perform Wednesday(10/29) at 11 p.m. at Club Rio.

Asked if she realized she may not have a good turnout due to the show being scheduled smack dab in the middle of a work week, the Mexican comedian shrugged the potential off stating that in Mexico, she starts her one-hour routine at midnight and there are so many venues comedians fill up clubs on Monday, Tuesday and every day of the week.

"They may wake up tired and sleepy, but they'll go to work with a big smile on their face," she said flashing her famous toothless grin during an interview at the I-H-10 El Taco Tote location.

Liilana Arriaga-Franco, that's her real name, was born in 1973, but her character was born 14 years ago in a talent contest for comedians. Her trademark is her two missing top front teeth, which are actually blacken out and her attire consists of worn-out bag-lady type outfits, a rosary and a weather-beaten scapular. "My clothes may be torn and tattered, but they're discarded name brand labels such as Prada," she quipped.

Chupitos' filthy looking character is based on a poverty stricken alcoholic from the barrio because as she says, "It's an existing problem throughout the world. The stories are completely all my ideas about situations that all people can relate to as I give them hope through laughter. There's nothing better than laugher to make people happy and forget their woes. So I love to make people laugh."

Still the petite 35-year-old's character touches on serious topics such as being jobless, marriage, unwed mothers, feminist issues and most important skits about, and involving, children.

"Life is full of suffering, the truth is that La Chupito is mugrosa (dirty) and people do ask for limosna (alms) because that is the sad reality for many, so I'm not a monita de oro (golden dolly). But we still have to enjoy life and give thanks for whatever little we have. As for goals, Chupito's dream -- as Cantinflas -- is to reach the entire world."

As an actress, Arriaga-Franco has appeared in two tele-novelas - "Mujeres Engañadas" and "Nunca Te Olvidaré" However, her forte is comedy so it is variety shows such as "No Manches," "Don Francisco Presenta," "100 Mexicanos Dijeron," "VidaTV" and "La Casa de la Risa" that have been her claim to fame.

If you missed La Chupitos live performance on Wednesday, you can still enjoy her comedy routines on Univision's "Fábrica de Risas" each Saturday at 11 p.m. or check out her Web site at www.lachupitos.com

La Chupito Texas tour includes: Jueves Oct 30 McAllen Cine El Rey; Viernes Oct 31 McAllen Cine El Rey; Sabado Nov 1 Dallas Escapade Chances; Miercoles Nov. 19 Austin Escapade 2000; Jueves Nov 20 Laredo Las Cananas Club; Viernes Nov 21 Houston Planeta Bar Rio.

Related stories, photos:
Beta Sigma Phi presents 'Monster Bash '08' at Arjons Int. Club
Treat Street Fest: family fun and children's entertainment
ATAM Awards ceremony 2008 photos: fun, exciting, memorable
Blessed Sacrament Halloween fest offers family fun; Herrera headlines
ATAM 2008: Herrera, DLG, Velasquez, Posada
Concert Calendar 10/21: Awards, church fests, Lonely Boys
Veterano Festival honors late Escobar, showcases conjunto bands
Salsa music updates: Mora, Suazo, Mendez
Concerts Calendar 10/14: LuisiMi, Fiebre, Nataly
Kinky, Night Ranger headline international border fest
Party on the Plaza reloads for 10/14: Tropa, Stef, Vida
News/updates: Nataly Pena, Gabriel CD debut, new Fama single 
Emilio, Kumbia All Starz, Freddie Martinez among Latin Grammy nominees 
Dallas Cowboys MNF pre-game show to include Jay Perez 
Jose Jose: asks media to ignore 3 pilfered chapters from forthcoming book 
POP 2008: showcasing top stars in downtown Houston 
Concerts Calendar: Salgado, Monserrat, Azul 
Iglesias/Aventura rock the AT&T Center Saturday

Coming up:

Luis Miguel talks about new "maturity" on CD Crooked Stilo to play LA's Knitting Factory in Hollywood Top Latin Producers Valenzuela Twiins joined Ozomatli

One of the largest sororities in the Southwest, the Beta Sigma Phi International Sorority, is presenting a fundraising event - the "Monster Bash '08," at Arjon's International Club. 

The benefit is scheduled 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29 at the club, 8736 Tesoro Dr.

"This Monster Bash is the start of a new beginning for our organization," said sorority representative Jessica Nunez. "We are introducing college students to a new way of thinking. Supporting a cause instead of oneself. The Monster Bash with its many prizes is for a great cause."

In addition to music and dance, there will also be a costume contest. The event is open to music fans aged 18 years and older. There will be a cover charge of $5. For more information call Arjhon at the club (210) 804-1419.

Arjon's International Club is one of the longest-running and most popular nightclubs in Central Texas. The club is known for its international mix of dance music, from Cuban boleros and Colombian cumbias to Mexican rancheras and Puerto Rican bombas. In between, the DJs or the house band Escape throw in an engaging spice of disco, Tejano polkas, R&B, soul and pop/rock.

Opened in 1995, Arjon's is one of the city's few dance clubs that has lasted more than a decade. 

The club is known for its international mix of dance music, from Cuban boleros and Colombian cumbias to Mexican rancheras and Puerto Rican bombas. In between, the DJs or the house band throw in an engaging spice of disco, Tejano polkas, R&B, soul and pop/rock.

Related stories, photos:

Blessed Sacrament Halloween fest offers family fun; Herrera headlines

Coming up:
Luis Miguel talks about new "maturity" on CD
Crooked Stilo to play LA's Knitting Factory in Hollywood 
Top Latin Producers Valenzuela Twiins joined Ozomatli 

Latin rock, Tex-Mex, new salsa club, Halloween bashes and more on the main menu for the next week and beyond.

The weather is also turning absolutely beautiful so be sure to enjoy it outdoors.

Los Lonely Boys Rock trio tagteams with Austin singer/songwriter Alejandro Escovedo Must see show. Both artists have new CDs - Escobedo is out with "Real Animal" while LLB has "Forgiven." Oct. 29. Majestic Theater, 224 E. Houston St., (210) 226-3333.

Pete Ybarra y Grupo Fuego Accordionist is top notch and he leads a top notch band  in Halloween party with costume contest. Friday, 10/31. Cadillac Bar, 212 S. Flores. Groups here tend to play a little on the uncomfortable, high end of the volume scale. Between sets DJs Saint and Hobby unload. Also, singer Elizabeth hosts her own CD releaseparty for her CD "Siempre," produced by Grammy-Award winning producer Gilbert Velasquez. 7p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5. Cadillac Bar

Oldies But Goodies Night featuring Five Star Band. The Coast, Vance Jackson at Loop 410. 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Free

PrimeTime Tejano Halloween Party TV show celebrates 18 year anniversary. The 2009 series kicks off in October and Producer/Director Jerry Avila wants to kickoff the 2009 series with a big Halloween party. Featuring Sunny Ozuna, JR & The Starlites, DJ Music. Halloween costume contest worth $100. Monarch Event Center, 6406 N. IH 35 Ste 3100, Austin. 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. 512-845-3136 www.monarcheventcenter.com $10-$15  .

Faculty Hispanic Voice Recital Classical and Hispanic music combined featuring Juanita Ulloa, voice; Faith de Bow, piano; Mariachi Tamazula, led by Bobby López; and "España Viva" Flamenco dancers, Beatriz Aguilar & Jessica Ahr. UPAC Hall, Texas State University, San Marcos. Free. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29. (512) 245-2651 or email: ju12@txstate.edu. www.Juanitamusic.com

Rene Devia Smooth sounds of Latin American harpist 6-9 Thursdays, Los Cucos. Also 6-9 Saturdays, Cachito de Mexico

Monte Negro Latin alternative band hails from LA and brings a fresh sound. Joe's Patio Bar, 2950 Thousand Oaks. Friday, Oct. 31. www.myspace.com/montenegrorocks, www.montenegrorocks.com/

Old San Juan New tropical club/restaurant opens up with lots of dance space and a big music /grand opening weekend. Featuring Mi Rumba Thursday, Oct. 30; Son Cache Fri-Sat (Oct.31, Nov. 1) and Orquesta Tropicante Sunday, Nov. 2. Also DJ Papote and DJ 2Leo. 4427 Walzem. Also Happy Hour, dress code, party reservations and more.(210) 599-9990. Details: www.Myspace.com/DJpapote

SA Tardeada Festival. Featuring Mitch Web, Rick Trevino, Patricia Vonne, Tex-Mex Experience, Flaco Jimenez, Dog Men Poets,  Pride and Joy, Drugstore Cowboys, DC3, Flamin' Hellcats. Sunday, Nov. 16. $22-$26. Ruben's Place, Selma. www.satardeada.com/ 

Blue Bubble Ballroom Swing time with groups 6 p.m. Sundays in "Swing Factory" dance/concert series at Blue Bubble Ballroom, 9315 Broadway. $5. All ages. 7-8 p.m. free lessons by SASDS.

Treat Street Celebration Major family festival features trick-or-treating activities for children, talent showcase, as well as performances by singers Jennifer and Jessica Espinoza, rapper Da Brat, rock group Insergo and country artist Ally Brooke Hernandez. Market Square. Free. Noon-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31.

Danny Acosta y QVO Band plays mix of oldies, funk, R&B. Sundays. Club Movida, 306  E. Mitchell. (210) 534-4477. Owner Rick Robles runs a tight ship.

Roger Velasquez & Latin Legends Top group shines with its repertoire and virtuosity. Thursdays, Bar On Broadway. Also Luckey Road Saloon, 10/31 (Halloween Party) 

Daniel Monserrat Singer plays Fridays/ Wednesdays.  La Marginal, 2447 Nacogdoches Rd, (210) 804-2242

Liliana Arriaga "La Chupitos" Mexican comedian puts on big show. Also music and dance. Club Rio Nightclub, 13307-A San Pedro Highway 281 at Bitters. (210) 403-2582. $25 advance; $35, $45.Doors open 9 p.m.; show 11 p.m. Wednesday, 10/29.

 

Kudai Chilean pop/rock group headlines Sesion Exclusiva, apre-Latin Gramy event. Also performing Vanaz. Grooves, 2300 Pierce St. Houston. 9 p.m. Monday, Nov.10. 

Enanitos Verdes Latin alternative band takes the stage. 10/30 Club Rio Nightclub, 13307-A San Pedro Highway 281 at Bitters. (210) 403-2582. Also El Tri 11/16.

Centro Cultural Aztlán Dia de los Muertos Exhibition includes 70 artists and community members creating altars associated with Dia de los Muertos. Featuring Liza Ybarra, Urban 15 dancers and drummers. 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. Also free Dia de los Muertos Workshop by Luis Valderas, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 25, (210) 432-1896. Centro Cultural Aztlan, 1800 Fredericksburg Rd., Ste 103

La Sombra de Tony Guerrero Back in town. Randy's Ballroom, 1534 Bandera Rd. Saturday Nov 15.

ATAM FestiBALL 2nd Annual Tejano Academy softball tournament, car exhibit and live music. Missions County Park,6030 Padre Drive. 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9. (210) 227-2826

Jorge Alejandro y La Paz, specializing in international ballads, boleros, cumbias and polkas. 9 p.m. Thursdays. George's Place, 5214 Blanco Rd. (210) 340-1275. George Rivas Band Friday; Elizabeth & Latin Crew, Saturday; All Star Band 9 p.m. Sunday

Nataly Peña Young singer plays a mix. Luciano at the Strand. Fridays.

Los Desperadoz Conjunto/Tejano fusion band. Friday, Oct. 31. Graham Central Station, Fredericksberg at Loop 410.