From Latin rock to reggaeton, boleros to blues,Tex-Mex to Tejano, conjunto to corridos and beyond, Ramiro Burr has it covered. If you have a new CD release, a trivia question or are looking for tour info, post a message here or e-mail Ramiro directly at: musicreporter@gmail.com
Boni Mauricio is one of the Corpus Christi-based conjunto/Tejano groups that while not making major waves, has maintained a steady output.
Mauricio may sound like a new name for some but the accordionist has a long history, as a studio musician and also member of several groups such as Cthe Hometown Boys and Mingo Saldivar.
Our Corpus Christi correspondent Rene Cabrera had a close revealing interview with Mauricio in this report on his latest CD.
You might say that Boni Mauricio has paid his dues to conjunto. Out of Corpus Christi, the accordionist has entertained fans as a member of such familiar names as Grupo Badd, Conjunto Madrigal, Hometown Boys and Mingo Saldivar.
Thanksgiving week arrives with many choices- including Latin alternative, Tejano, conjunto and more.
DLG, Marcos Orozco, Ramiro Herrera Big shindig for Thanksgiving Dance, Nov. 27. Graham Central Station. Also Jimmy Gonzalez y Mazz Nov. 28.
Julieta Venegas Mexican rocker back in town for a concert. Lila Cockrell Theater. Nov. 29. Tickets $35-$65 through Ticketmaster. Doors 7 p.m., no opening group. Raffle for an autographed Gibson Guitar by Julieta. Details...
Andrea Bocelli is one of the most talented operatic pop tenors to have arrived on the scene in years. He's recorded classical, opera and pop music and sold more than 65 million albums worldwide.
Now he's performing in town Tuesday and Wednesday at the Municipal Auditorium. In this reprot, our correspondent Ramon Hernandez caught up with him at a news conference.
By Ramon Hernandez
Andrea Bocelli does not perform until tomorrow night and tickets for both Tuesday and Wednesday's performances at the Municipal Auditorium are sold out, but Bocelli does not rest on his laurels.
(Photos courtesy Ramon Hernandez)
On Sunday night he rehearsed with the San Antonio Opera Chorus and San Antonio Master Singers. With two sold-out shows, he does not need the publicity, yet this afternoon, he held court with the press at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. That's how nice, humble and down-to-earth he remains in spite of his international stardom.
Entering the media-filled room wearing a blue pin-stripe coat, blue jeans and a navy blue silk tie, he was all smiles; and his smile reflected a kind gentle human being.
In reviewing many of his compact discs, one is note that he sings with lots of passion and he sings from the heart. With this in mind I asked if there is any one tune in which exhibits a little anger, or a hint of hate.
"There's already too much too much hate and negativity in the world, so why add to it," he answered. "I love women and I love to sing about love."
The immediate overall response from those in attendance was a rousing "Bravo, bravo."
Araceli Cardenas-Bon, who has seen Bocelli perform several times in Italy as a reporter for www.ROMEreports.com flew in the way in from Rome for the press conference and tomorrow's performance.
Her question for the 6-foot-2-inch tall operatic singer was how it felt to play a strong personality, such as Turiddu when expectations are so high in an opera as difficult as "Cavalleria Rusticana."
"I enjoy it because I love women. So I don't find it difficult to sing this role because I'm so passionate about love," Bocelli answered with a flattering smile.
"Cavalleria Rusticana" is set in a small Sicilian village where a young soldier, Turiddu (Bocelli), returns to his hometown and seduces Santuzza (Verónica Villarroel), a peasant girl and leaves her pregnant. Then he moves on and falls in love, or at least in lust, with Lola.
Santuzza finds out, and in a weak moment tells Lola's husband Alfio (Marcello Guzzo) of the sordid affair.
To say anymore would spoil the plot, but the music remains some of the most famous in all of opera.
Villarroel, who is from Chile and Guzzo, from Uraguay, were also present for the media gathering along with San Antonio Opera conductor Maestro Eugene Kohn.
A perfectionist at his craft, tonight the entire cast and orchestra will hold a dress rehearsal to ensure a knockout performance. And while the show has been sold out for month, limited tickets for both nights are expected to be released today.
So it's not too late to obtain tickets at www.ticketmaster.com, www.saopera.com or by calling (210) 225-5972.
Incidentally, just so opera lovers are forewarned, the show will open with an orchestral show of opera overtures before the 50-year-old opera superstar takes the stage in a one-act semi-staged production of "Cavalleria Rusticana."
Ruben Ramos, Little Joe, Elida and the Tex-Mex Kadillacs were among the big winners Sunday at the PrimetimeTV Awards held in Austin.
According to officials, other winners includied Michael Salgado and the TexManiacs. The awards
ceremonies, which were held at the H&H Ballroom in Austin, included a proclamation presentation by Austin City Councilman Mike Martinez to Sunny Ozuna. noting his work as a pioneer and his 50th anniversary in theTejano music industry.
Conjunto fans have more to celebrate as the new schedule for the Royal Palace Ballroom has been released.
As the ballroom owners explain: "Greetings from Royal Palace Ballroom!
"Our conjunto dances continue during the daytime. Don't forget,
our dances are from 2 till 4 pm on Mondays-Thursdays, and 1-5 pm on Sundays. And they all benefit Senior-Citizen associated organizations so your support is ....
A new salsa club continues its' live music with a familiar name- Escape. Keyboardist Oscar Cruz leads his band Escape Saturday at the Old San Juan, 4429 Walzem at Austin Highway.
Coming up: New Tejano CDs include Tex-Mex, conjunto Top Latin Producers Valenzuela Twiins joined Ozomatli
Mexican pop singer Luis Miguel says life and a new baby has brought him a new maturity.
The singer, also known as LuisMi and 'El Sol,' explained in this Univision.com/Notimex wire service report, 'La madurez de "El Sol" that he is enjoying a new phase in his life where he sees things in a much more relaxed way.
In the interview with an Argentinean TV station, he confessed that "se encuentra más "maduro", por lo que actualmente es más consciente de lo que significa su popularidad y disfruta más del cariño de la gente que lo ha seguido durante su trayectoria artística."
In other words, he appreciates, more than ever, all the constant love and adoration of his fans.
Now 38, the singer added, "Me siento más realizado, veo las cosas con más calma, valoro el cariño de la gente. Creo que estoy madurando de forma positiva y eso es bonito, me da gusto estar con el público que ha crecido conmigo."
His latest CD is and tour, "Cómplices 2008" had him in Texas last week.
His biggest hits include "Tengo todo excepto a ti" "Fría como el viento," "Amante del amor," and "Dormir contigo." Over his career the singer has sold more than 60 million albums and won numerous Grammys.
Speaking of the Grammys, the 2008 Latin Grammys were recenelty held Nov. 13 in Houston's Toyota Center.
Coming up: Sonic Boom Six back on a U.S. tour Top Latin Producers Valenzuela Twiins joined Ozomatli
We got mariachi, Tex-Mex, rock, and more scheduled in the next few days of November. The fall season is rushing by so take advantage of absolutely magical nights with the big moons outside.
Mariachi Las Altenas
Talented mariachi all-female troupe presents CD release party for new CD, "Sentimiento de Mujer."The Venue, 800 Lexington Ave. Wednesday, Nov. 19. (210).340-0128. Free.
Ricardo Castillon y La Diferenzia Cool group made a name for themselves in the late '90s. Friday, Nov..21. Graham Central Station. Also DLG, Marcos Orozco, Ramiro Herrera, Thanksgiving Dance, Nov. 27; Jimmy Gonzalez y Mazz Nov. 28.
PrimeTime Tejano Awards PT presents 18 year anniversary celebration & awards featuring Sunny Ozuna, JR & Starlites, Max Baca $ TexManiacs, Michelle and special guests. Awards include male, female vocalist, entertainer, showband, conjunto and more. 7-11:45 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, H&H Ballroom, 4404 Brandt Road, Austin. (512) 845-3136
Julieta Venegas Mexican rocker back in town for a concert. Lila Cockrell Theater. Nov. 29. Tickets $35-$65 throgh Ticketmaster. Doors 7 p.m., no opening group. Raffle for an autographed Gibson Guitar by Julieta. Details: Tr-entertainment@hotmail.com or register the night of the concert. Listen to 95X to win their a pair of tickets and to Offical After Party at La Bikina Dance Bar, 3000 N. St Marys St.
Los Desperadoz Solid Tex-Mex band swings through town. Nov. 28. Cool Arrows. Also Los Dos Gilbertos, Nov. 22; Stampede, Nov. 29.
Los Tovares Veteran group on stage. Fri., Nov. 21. Gil's Tejano Bar & Grill, 1228 E. Durango. (210) 534-4141. Also Sat. Nov. 22., Cattlemans Square Tavern, 904 W. Houston. .
Jack Ingram Interesting artist mixes cumbias and more. Sat. Nov. 21. Lonestar Saloon, Uvalde. Also Nov. 20 DJ Night; Nov. 26 Grupo Massore; Nov. 27 Thanksgiving Day Party; Nov. 28, Bellamy Brothers; Nov. 29, Solido; Dec. 13, La Mafia.
Rene Devia Smooth sounds of Latin American harpist 6-9 Thursdays, Los Cucos. Also 6-9 Saturdays, Cachito de Mexico
Roger Velasquez & Latin Legends Top group shines with its repertoire and virtuosity. Thursdays, Bar On Broadway. 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18. Crazy J's, 126 Gembler Rd, 11/15, 12/20. Luckey Road Saloon, 1780 Luckey Rd., Friday, 11/28; George's Place, Saturday, 11/29.
Rocky Hernandez & OBG Band Veteran outfit celebrates Rocky's birthday with a big party. Arturos Sports Bar, 3310 S. Zarzamora. (210) 923-0177. 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov.13. Also DJ Bongo Bob, Canela Band, OBG Band, The Sequence, Bene Medina y Conjunto Aguila, Pete Cardenas, Sandy Sanchez, Los Cachies de Casimiro Castro, Rudy Tee, Sonny Ace, Gilbert Rodriguez. $5. Also raffle tickets.
Jorge Alejandro y La Paz Versatile singer/songwriter wrapping up new CD due for release late fall. Tuesdays, Hot Tin Roof, IH 10/Callaghan.
Artie V y Grupo Suave Pre-Thanksgiving party. Wednesday, Nov. 26 Frio Saloon.
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.
Daniel Monserrat Singer plays Fridays/ Wednesdays. La Marginal, 2447 Nacogdoches Rd, (210) 804-2242
Tejano Christmas Gala featuring Roger Velasquez & Latin Legends. Tamale dinner, 7 p.m.; dance 9 p.m.; Midnight Menudo. BYOB, set-ups. $12.50/ $20. Dec. 12. Pueblo Hall. (210) 473-5744
Los Homies y Los Padrinos/ Joe Gonzales"El Gambler Versatile groups mix it up. 8:30 p.m. Nov. 29. Tejano Country Ballroom, 16300 Hwy 123, San Marcos. Also Dec. 6, Da Krayz Pimpz Y Boni Mauricio y Los Maximos.
Los Enmascarados Conjunto outfit takes stage. 9 p.m. Saturday. Dec 20. Abraxus Tavern, 16241 Hwy 123 N. San Marcos. Presented Slick Entertainment & R D Productions
Rocky y OBG Band Christmas Drive Concert.With Max Baca & TexManiacs, Genaro Aguilar w/Los Tovares, 5-Star Band. Also special guests Sunny Ozuna, Sonny Ace, Gilbert Rodriguez, Rudy T, Little John. $7-$10 plus unwrapped gift. Blanco Ballroom, 3817 Blancord. Thursday, Dec. 4.
The George Rivas Band Solid group led by Rivas brings it on. 9 p.m. Friday, Wednesday. George's Place, 5214 Blanco Rd. (210) 340-1275.Joe Jama & 100 Proof, Saturday; Q-VO Band,9 p.m. Sunday.
Oscar Rodriguez Virtuoso guitarist plays a hot mix of rock, blues, Tex-Mex and more. Grant St. Pizza, 8 p.m. Fridays; Pat O'Briens, 3 p.m. Saturdays.
Teddy Bears for Kids Christmas Dance Presented by Knights of Columbus 7983, 11th annual event features Ram Herrera and mariachi. 7-11:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. Alzafar Shrine Temple, 901 North Loop 1604 West. Contact: Rafael Rodriguez 210-723-6312. Benefits the San Antonio Police Blue Santa Program.
Main Plaza Music Festival includes various events such as: Latin Lunes, a lunch-time series on Mondays through December. The lunch-time series runs through the week such as Ben King, Rebecca Valadez, Max Baca, Joe Posada, Claude "Butch" Morgan, Hot Sauce, Terry Cavanaugh. Raza en la Plaza is a 7 p.m. series with George Morin and Jazz Suave Friday; More: SAS! continues through December. On Sunday it's Conjunto Tocadita at lunch with Foxy Garcia, accordion & Chucho Perales, bajo sexto. (210) 225-9800 www.mainplaza.org
Louis Shati & SonSabor 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 his next CD due by mid-December.
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 myspace. com/bosmanshbk1, (210) 924-1016
Coming up: Concerts Calendars 11/18 Liberacion reunites Virgil Canales and Juan Tavares
2008 Tejano ROOTS: Rosita, Emilio, Dos Gs among HoF inductees
ALICE, TEXAS - The 2008 edition of the Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame inductees was a special night fueled by a wide range of emotions, powerful memories and wonderful music.
There was joy and laughter, hugs and backslaps for the top artists, sadness and tears for the performers gone but not forgotten. Presented by the Tejano ROOTS organization, the award ceremonies unfolded in this tiny city in South Texas in a potent atmosphere of family pride, tradition, honor and reverence.
The community here may be small but the history of Tejano here still casts a long shadow in the American Southwest and northern Mexico.
ROOTS Vice-President Heriberto "Herbie" Lopez, who used to play with El Conjunto Bernal, said the ceremonies were special because of the individuals being recognized.
(Photos courtesy Ramon Hernandez)
Singer and Tejano ROOTS board member Linda Escobar said the awards serve to provide recognition where it is rarely given:
"It is important to know who are the people who made the history in Tejano and conjunto music," she said. "The inductions help ensure that these hard working pioneers did not do their work in vain, but they are being remembered and recognized for their efforts."
Joe Alamar Arguijo was honored as the Promoter of the year. His son, Arguijo Jr. was visibly moved when accepting the award:
"I can't tell you how emotional this moment is, how big it is," he said. "I was at a Randy Travis concert in Houston when I got a phone call.They said 'Are you sitting down?' I said what is it? They said 'your father has been inducted into the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame'."
No official estimates were available but the VFW Hall was filled to capacity Saturday.
Performers in the two-day event included Latin Express featuring Sunny Ozuna and Johnny Hernandez. Saturday night opened with an official welcome by Alice Mayor Juan Rodriguez. The invocation was delivered by Rudy Guerra.
Inductees on Saturday included Raul and Emilio Navaira, and Bobby Solis for drummer in the MiIlion Dollar band. Solis is brother of well-known San Antonio drummer Richard Solis.
The complete Tejano ROOTS INDUCTEES
1. FAVORITE SON OF ALICE: A. Pete Gallegos - Alice, Texas B. Ernesto Cadena _ Alice, Texas
2. BROADCASTING A. Rosita Ornelas - Seguin, Texas B. Manuel Davila - San Antonio, Texas
3. CONJUNTO TRADITIONAL A. Adan Y Alfredo De La Rosa - Kingsville, Texas B. Los Dos Gilbertos - Edinburg, Texas
4. CONJUNTO PROGRESSIVE A. Cruz Torres - Corpus Christi, Texas
5. ENTERTAINERS A. Emilio and Raul Navaira B. Enrique ( Ricky G.) Garcia - Corpus Christi, Texas
6. ORCHESTRA/BIG BAND: A. Latin Express Band - Dallas/ Ft. Worth, Texas B. Beto Leal - Kingsville, Texas
7. COMPOSER A. Ramon Medina - Laredo, Texas
8. PROMOTER A. Joe Alamar Arguijo - Beeville, Texas
9. ACCORDION: A. Sam Falcon - Kingsville, Texas B. Enrique Vela - Sarita , Texas
10: MILLION DOLLAR BAND: A. DRUMS: Bobby Solis B. GUITAR/BAJO SEXTO: Joe Alaniz - Kingsville, Texas C. BASS GUITAR: Salvador ' Shaggy' Garcia, San Antonio, Texas D. TRUMPET: Wild Bill Perkins - Austin, Texas E. SAXOPHONE: 1. Jose Joel / Jose Roel Pulido- Edinburg, Texas 2. Charlie Rodriguez - San Antonio,Texas F. ACCORDION: Willie Garcia - Corpus Christi, Texas G. VOCALIST: Arturo Guzman - Corpus Christi,Texas H. KEYBOARD: Ruben Lopez - Gregory,Texas
11. LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: A. Javier Villanueva- Alice,Texas
12. FEMALE ENTERTAINER: A. Delia Gonzales - San Antonio, Texas B. Chavela Ortiz Hernandez - Fresno, California -
13. PIONEER TEJANO AWARD: A. Fernando Caballero - Piano Player - Benavides, Texas B. Ferro Flores - Piano Player - Alice, Texas C. Reynaldo Barrera - Guitar Player - Falfurrias, Texas
(Special thanks to our indispensable, and growing musichounds - Teresa Velasquez, Roger Velasquez, Rocky Hernandez, Albert Davila (KEDA), Richard Martinez (Latin Funk DJ))
Tex-Mex pioneer Dimas Garza, who was one of the early singers for the famed Royal Jesters, died of a heart attack this morning. He was 68.
According to family friends, Garza had just had surgery for a hernia on Tuesday but was already home recovering.
Details are still being confirmed and again we're waiting for official word on funeral details from family members. As soon as those are confirmed, we will be posting here.
Funeral details 6:30 p.m.: Still not confirmed. To be posted here as soon as they are released.
Public visitation 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Trevino Funeral Home
Visitation 8 a.m-5 p.m. Sunday with special musical tribute 3-4:30 p.m..Trevino Funeral Home
Rosary 7 p.m. Sunday, Immaculate Heart Church on Merida St.
Funeral service 9 a.m. Monday at San Fernando Cathedral.
Details proivided by-and thank you to- Pinky, Dimas Garza's brother in law..
Henry Hernandez, a co-founder of the Royal Jesters was a Lanier High School classmate of Dimas Garza.
"I always admired him, for his voice, he had a raspy, soulful style," said Hernandez. "In that respect, I kind of looked up to him. Before he even joined the Jesters I liked his group, the Lyrics."
Jaime Martínez, founder of the Cesar Chavez March for Justice and a trumpet player with the Sunglows, said he had fond memories of Dimas Garza.
"About two weeks ago I was with him. He took me back to the 1963-66 era when we received an award at the Avenida Guadalupe for being Chicano Legends," said Martinez. "The awards honored oldies Chicanos who
And while the show has been sold out for month, limited tickets for both nights are expected to be released today. 
There's more, yes more, concert and interview highlights to check out in "Pepsi Musica," a two-hour special.
Mariachi Las Altenas 
