Left to Right: Juan Ortiz, of Mariachi Campanas, accordionist Sandy Sanchez, pioneer Salvador Garcia/Los Pavos Reales, author/music reporter Ramiro Burr, conjunto accordionist Nick Villarreal, Grammy-winner Flaco Jimenez, and conjunto pioneer Mingo Saldivar.
Ramiro Burr's "Billboard Guide" booksigning, Borders Books

For upcoming events please check itinerary below:

Previous presentations 

Upcoming:

7/3/2003 Copyright law: Fair Use and Abuse. San Antonio Express-News music reporter/author Ramiro Burr explains how the new digital age poses new challenges to both artists and the public. The ease with which information can be copied and distributed online can help those in need of information but it can also hinder copyright holders' ability to control their works. What is legal use or abuse? Copying or distributing copyrighted work? Burning CDs for friends? Selling copies? Making backup copies? Find out the legal and illegal use of copyright. 2 p.m. Greenwood Public Library, Corpus Christi. More

5/10-23/2003 "Discover your Dream: Picking a Career," San Antonio Express-News music reporter/author Ramiro Burr provides guidance to find a rewarding career and pursue a meaningful profession. Not every job has to be mundane and monotonous. The happiest people are those working in livelihoods that bring them satisfaction, a sense of fulfillment, fun and excitement. Learn the five elements that all “dream jobs” have in common. Twain, Ridgeview and other local elementary schools as part of Career Day.

3/13/2003 Latin Music and the Media In conjunction with the Texas Chapter of the Recording Academy. The process of promoting Latin music in the media differs from that of mainstream music. Less advance time associated with record releases and tour information, coupled with smaller media outlets dictate a nimble approach to getting the word out. What are the main outlets for information about Latin music? Are there ways in which Latin promoters can change the process to their benefit? Moderator: Tomas Cookman, Pres - Cookman Int.; Ramiro Burr , Syndicated Columnist - San Antonio Express-News; Diana Baron , Pres - D Baron Media; Flavio Morales , PDr - KJLA LATV; Ricardo Haas - XL Producciones

3/9-10/2003. Go Tejano Rodeo/Mariachi Festival, Reliant Arena, Houston. San Antonio Express-News syndicated music reporter/author Ramiro Burr among a panel of judges for the Mariachi 2003 competition.

3/1/2003. Go Tejano-thon Festival, . San Antonio Express-News syndicated music reporter/author Ramiro Burr meets and greets visitors and readers at the Houston Chronicle booth Part of Go Tejanothon fundraiser and presentation. Alameda Mall, Houston

2/11/2003 NISD Journalism Forum presents "Insider Tips on Writing Great Music Reviews" San Antonio Express-News music reporter/author Ramiro Burr explains what constitutes an effective review, and how reviews can help us choose what movies, CDs, books, plays, and/or restaurants to enjoy. While specialized knowledge is essential, Burr argues that a sense of adventure and experimentation, along with a healthy dose of cynicism and philosophy, can produce thought-provoking reviews. NISD Forum, Northside activity Center 410

11/30/2002 "What Does A Band Need To Get A Record Deal?" San Antonio Express-News music reporter/author Ramiro Burr details the five important qualities A&R scouts want in a band. Burr debunks such myths and misconceptions as: "Record labels will make you No. 1," "You're signed! It's over." Burr explains how the record industry works, and the critical importance of competent managers and publicists. "Breaking through the Clutter: How to Get Media Coverage," San Antonio Express-News music reporter/author Ramiro Burr outlines the basic necessities media outlets need to determine whether an artists or band deserves coverage. Pretty press kits and or great music by itself is not always enough. Get some great tips on getting media coverage. 2nd Annual Talent Competition and Showcase 2002 Gala. Ramada Hotel & Convention Center, 601 N. Water St. in Corpus Christi, Texas. 

11/23/2002 "Nuestra musica: a discussion of Norteño and Conjunto Music" with San Antonio Express-News Ramiro Burr and Juan Tejeda." Inter-American Book Fair. 2 p.m. Cesar Chavez building, Trinity University. .

11/22/2002 "Breaking through The Clutter" San Antonio Express-News music reporter/author Ramiro Burr provides insider techniques on breaking through to reporters besieged by stacks of press releases, faxes, mail and CD packages. Chart success, a unique fresh sound and other unique aspects can help mariachi groups create a buzz in the media. But it helps to know the information overload, news policies and deadlines faced by news reporters in order to get coverage. Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. 10 a.m.

PREVIOUS PRESENTATIONS

10/16 & 30/2002 "Journalism: What Does It Take To Be A Reporter?” San Antonio Express-News music reporter/author Ramiro Burr outlines the five most important skills required for a journalism career. Going beyond the “glamorous” aspects of the job, Burr details the political and work tensions faced by those in the profession known as the fourth estate. Burr gives you a realistic sense of the daily reporting and deadline pressures to help you decide if journalism can be your passion. J. F. Kennedy High School.

10/15/2002 "How To Write Great Feature Stories" San Antonio Express-News music reporter/author Ramiro Burr reveals what hard-working writers need to become more efficient, and more importantly, how to identify and reach career goals. Never-ending deadlines, unfocused goals, and the daily grind can obscure your vision and cloud up the big picture. Burr covers the essentials in time management, goal assessment, and focusing on what is really important to reach your long-term objectives. UTSA Downtown

10/7/2002  "Careers For People Who Love to Write" San Antonio Express-News music reporter/author Ramiro Burr details career options for people who like to write. Some enjoy the daily rush that general-assignment reporters experience tracking down sources and meeting deadlines. Some like to write columns, taking a point of view and representing a voice of the community. Others choose the free-lance route, pitching stories and reviews to magazines. Still others are drawn to the in-depth research involved in book writing. As someone who juggles these four roles, Burr provides valuable insight into many facets of the writing profession. 2-3 p.m. UC, UTSA

10/1/2002 "Careers in the Music Biz." Opening panel of Texas Music Month, offers look at viable careers in music and what it takes to succeed, plus learned much about the industry itself. Sharing their stories with us were syndicated columnist/author/music critic/reporter Ramiro Burr of the Express-News, Public Affairs Director Aurora Cantu of KZEP Radio, Music Director Mattson Rainer of KNBT-FM in New Braunfels, and Music Ministry Director Jake Hill of St. George Episcopal Church. Steinway Piano Gallery at 202 NE Loop 410. More details

9/29/2002 " What Latino Writers Need to Know to Get Published" Ramiro Burr, syndicated columnist, The Billboard Guide to Tejano and Regional Music; Dr. Nicolas Kanellos, Founder Arte Público Press; Rene Alegria of Rayo, an imprint of Harper Collins; Dagoberto Gilb, author of Woodcuts of Women. Edward James Olmos Book Festival, Houston

San Antonio Express-News music reporter, syndicated columnist/author Ramiro Burr greets visitors to the Houston Chronicle newspaper promotional booth during the recent EJO Book Festival in Houston. Photo by Jewels Rio.

San Antonio Express-News music reporter, syndicated columnist/author Ramiro Burr and Arte Public publisher Nicolas Kanellos answer questions on the "What Writers need to Know to get Published" panel during the EJO Book Festival in Houston. Photo by Juan Corzo.

2/11/2002 NISD Journalism Forum presents "Insider Tips on Writing Great Music Reviews" San Antonio Express-News music reporter/author Ramiro Burr explains what constitutes an effective review, and how reviews can help us choose what movies, CDs, books, plays, and/or restaurants to enjoy. While specialized knowledge is essential, Burr argues that a sense of adventure and experimentation, along with a healthy dose of cynicism and philosophy, can produce thought-provoking reviews. NISD Forum, Northside activity Center 410

5/17/2001"So What Does it Take to Write a Book?" San Antonio Express-News music reporter/author Ramiro Burr talks on what young people need to prepare themselves for a writing career from hard work and research to conviction and commitment. Plus the five critical skills publishers want in an author in today's society obsessed with celebrity and fame. 6 p.m. Thursday May 17. San Antonio Public Library.

11/23/2001 "What Does A Band Need To Get A Record Deal?" San Antonio Express-News music reporter/author Ramiro Burr details the five important qualities A&R scouts want in a band. Burr debunks such myths and misconceptions as: "Record labels will make you No. 1," "You're signed! It's over." Burr explains how the record industry works, and the critical importance of competent managers and publicists. "Breaking through the Clutter: How to Get Media Coverage," San Antonio Express-News music reporter/author Ramiro Burr outlines the basic necessities media outlets need to determine whether an artists or band deserves coverage. Pretty press kits and or great music by itself is not always enough. Get some great tips on getting media coverage. 2nd Annual Talent Competition and Showcase 2002 Gala. Ramada Hotel & Convention Center, 601 N. Water St. in Corpus Christi, Texas.

April 29, 2000. "Tejano Symposium," 14th Annual Symposium. San Antonio Express-News music reporter/author Ramiro Burr details the brilliant rise and decline of Tejano music in the '90s and what it takes to reignite. He also signs his new book "The Billboard Guide to Tejano and Regional Mexican Music." 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturday. University of Houston at Victoria. Also: "Billboard Guide" book signing 3-5 p.m. Saturday, April 29, Hastings Books, Music & Video, 5108 N. Navarro St. Brings your cameras, music guests expected.

May 5, 2000. "On Completing the Mosaic of American Music." Louie Armstrong, Hank Williams, Duke Ellington, BB King and Frank Sinatra are all American music heroes. San Antonio Express-News music reporter/author Ramiro Burr provides a compelling argument on why Mexican-American music heroes like Tony De La Rosa, Mingo Saldivar, Flaco Jimenez and others are deserving of the same standing as he talks about his new fascinating book, The Billboard Guide to Tejano and Regional Mexican Music, published by New York's Billboard Books. Guest musicians including Mingo Saldivar, Valerio Longoria, Nick Villarreal, Chalito Johnson and others to sign books and CDs. 7:30 p.m. Friday. Borders Books, Huebner Oaks Mall. Free.

May 6, 2000. "On Completing the Mosaic of American Music." Louie Armstrong, Hank Williams, Duke Ellington, BB King and Frank Sinatra are all American music heroes. San Antonio Express-News music reporter/author Ramiro Burr provides a compelling argument on why Mexican-American music heroes like Tony De La Rosa, Mingo Saldivar, Flaco Jimenez and others are deserving of the same standing as he talks about his new fascinating book, "The Billboard Guide to Tejano and Regional Mexican Music," published by New York's Billboard Books. Guest musicians including Mingo Saldivar, Valerio Longoria, Nick Villarreal, Chalito Johnson and others to sign books and CDs. 4-6 p.m. Saturday. Borders Books, Quarry Mall, 255 E Basse Road, Free.

May 17, 2000. Texas Writers Month. "So What Does it Take to Write a Book?" San Antonio Express-News music reporter/author Ramiro Burr talks on what young people need to prepare themselves for a writing career from hard work and research to conviction and commitment. 7 p.m. Westfall Library, San Antonio.

Previous Book Signings:

Feb. 1, 2000. Southwest Texas State University's Department of History and the Southwestern Writers Collection hosts dedication celebration for newly founded SWT Institute for the History of Texas Music. Reception/book signing/sale 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in gallery for BillboardBooks' The Billboard Guide to Tejano and Regional Mexican Music, with author Ramiro Burr. Ceremonies include talk by Burr, Texas Monthly senior editor Joe Nick Patoski and Grammy Award-winning recording artist/songwriter Marcia Ball, on diversity and relevancy of Texas music. 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 1. 7th floor, Alkek Library.

Feb 4-5, 2000. "Latinos: Ya Llegamos," 13th annual Student Conf. on Latino Affairs at Texas A&M. San Antonio Express-News music journalist/author Ramiro Burr talks on "Latinos in the Newsroom" and "Latino Music Explosion," 2-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Book signing for The Billboard Guide to Tejano and Regional Mexican Music, 6 p.m. Friday at Hastings Records.

Feb. 17-19, 2000. San Antonio Inter-American Bookfair & Literary Festival. "Tejano Wildfire: End or New Beginning?" featuring San Antonio Express-News music reporter/author Ramiro Burr. 3 p.m. Friday, Ruth Taylor Hall, Trinity Univ., 715 Stadium Dr. 2/18.

Feb. 26-27, 2000. Go Tejano Rodeo/Mariachi Festival, Astrodome, Houston. San Antonio Express-News syndicated music reporter/author Ramiro Burr among a panel of judges for the Mariachi 2000 competition.

March 9, 2000. "Border Journalism," San Antonio Express-News music journalist/author Ramiro Burr examines brilliant rise and decline of Tejano music, signs his new book The Billboard Guide to Tejano and Regional Mexican Music, 4-7 p.m. CMA 5.128. Univ. of Texas @ Austin.

March 10, 2000 Tejano Fanfair. "Meet the Author" San Antonio Express-News music journalist/author Ramiro Burr signs his new book The Billboard Guide to Tejano and Regional Mexican Music. Noon-11 p.m. Friday. La Villita

May 19, 2000. Video Festival San Antonio Youth Literacy, featuring top entries from area and regional high schools. San Antonio College. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.