Latin Music Month 2010

May is Latino Music Month

May 2010

April 30

Latino Music Month Warm-Up

Squeezebox Mania featuring Santiago Jimenez Jr., Joel Guzman & Sarah Fox, Corey Ledet & Ponty Bone@ Threadgill’s World Headquarters, 9 PM

Austin Cinco de Mayo Celebration @ Fiesta Gardens, Grupo Cinco Doce, Yayo Castillo y Rumores, Grammy Award Winners Los Texmaniacs, 6:30 PM

May 1

Official LMM 2010 Kick-Off:

Texas Folklife Resources Presents: THE BIG SQUEEZE Accordion Contest
Co-Sponsored by The Bob Bullock Texas History Museum & ALMA
@ The Bob Bullock Texas History Museum featuring Mariachi Corbetas, Conjunto Aztlan & Grammy Award Winners Los Texmaniacs with Special Guest Joel Guzman

Austin Cinco De Mayo Celebration @ Fiesta Gardens, Level Hill, Knights, Ballet Folklorico de McCallum High School, Mariachi, Grupo Cinco Doce, A.J. Castillo & Jay Perez, 1 PM to Midnight

Texas Community Music Festival @ Central Market North Lamar Sponsored by the Austin Jazz Alliance, featuring Beto & the Fairlanes, Vallenatos de Mi Tierra, Jimmy Duran & Dizzy Lizard, Tiburon & Leroy Rodriguez Trio, 10 AM to 9 PM

Old Pecan Street Festival on Austin’s Historic Sixth Street, El Tule (1 PM)

Frank Gomez Band @ Baby Acapulco – Arboretum, 7 PM
Aquadrums & Sonido Sol @ Mi Casa Cantina,
Los Gallos @ Maria Maria, 8 PM
Trio Los Romanceros @ Las Palomas Restaurant, 6:30 PM
3 Jazz Collective, Sao Paulo Restaurant, 6 PM

May 2

Austin Cinco De Mayo Celebration @ Fiesta Gardens, 20th Annual Austin Conjunto Festival, University of Texas Conjunto, Dueto Carta Blanca de Jorge y Mague, Henry Zimmerle, Johnny Degollado, Ricky Naranjo, Los Texas Wranglers

Old Pecan Street Festival on Austin's Historic Sixth Street featuring La Guerrilla (1 PM - Twin Liquors Stage), Latin at Heart (1 PM - Trinity Stage), Boca Abajo (2 PM), Kalua (3 PM), AT Boyz (7 PM)

La Que Buena 104.3 FM y La Jefa 107.7 FM Cinco de Mayo Celebration @ The Travis County Expo Center featuring Larry Hernández,.Alacranes Musical, Conjunto Atardecer, Grupo Varonil, Terribles Del Norte, Sangre Felina, Los Atravankados, & Sonido CoCos Locos

Mariachi Relampago @ Nuevo Leon, 1 PM
Buzz Guerra @ Blue Dahlia Bistro, 11:30 AM
The Brew @ The Oasis, 7 PM

May 3

Buzz Guerra @ Austin Bergstrom Int. Airport, 3:30 PM

May 4

Este Vato, La Guerrilla, Mauricio Callejas & Adrian Bourgeois @ Momo’s,
Boombox with Carlos Sosa @ Lucky Lounge, 10 PM
Vitera @ Maria Maria, 8 PM

May 5

Del Castillo @ Threadgill’s World Headquarters, 8 PM
Mariachi Tamazula @ El Sol y La Luna, 8 PM
Cienfuegos/La Mona Loca @ Ruta Maya, 9 PM
A.T. Boyz @ Baby Acapulco (US-290 & I-35), 7 PM
Los Texas Wranglers for San Jose Church Pre-Mother’s Day Dance, 7 PM
Javier Jazz @ Las Palomas Restaurant, 6:30 PM
Jonas Alvarez @ Cantina Laredo, 5 PM

May 6

The Gipsy Kings @ The Backyard, 7 PM
Son y No Son, Central Market Westgate, 6:30 PM
The Bobby Fuentes Show @ Guero’s , 6:30 PM
0+ Positivo @ Speakeasy, 9:30 PM
Buzz Guerra @ Blue Dahlia Bistro, 7:30 PM

May 7

Live at the Plaza featuring Charanga Cakewalk @Austin City Hall, Noon

Grupo Fantasma @ Antone’s, 9 PM (Two Nights)
Samba de Esquina, Brazilian Jam @ Esquina Tango, 9 PM
Foco Rojo @ El Taquito (Round Rock)
Los Flames @ Guero’s , 6:30 PM
Mariachi Tamazula @ El Sol y La Luna, 8 PM
Jonas Alvarez @ Austin Bergstrom Int. Airport, 3:30 PM
Jonas Alvarez @ Casa Chapala Downtown, 7 PM

May 8

Grupo Fantasma @ Antone’s, 9 PM (Two Nights)
Noche de Tango Vivo with Glover Gill & the Strings @ Esquina Tango, 9 PM
Jerry Lee Lewis Revival Festival featuring Rick Trevino & many other acts, 7 PM
Trio Los Romanceros @ Las Palomas Restaurant, 6:30 PM
3 Jazz Collective, Sao Paulo Restaurant, 6 PM
El Tule @ Austin Paddle Jam

May 9

Boleros, Flores y Chocolate! featuring Leticia Rodriguez in Honor of Mother’s Day @ Esquina Tango, 3 PM

Ritmo 3 @ Ruta Maya, 8:30 PM
The Brew @ The Oasis, 7 PM
Jonas Alvarez @ Cantina Laredo, Noon
Son y No Son @ Manuel’s Downtown, 12:30 PM
Mariachi Relampago @ Nuevo Leon, 1 PM
Tiburon @ Guero’s, 3 PM
Buzz Guerra @ Blue Dahlia Bistro, 11:30 AM

May 11

Boombox with Carlos Sosa @ Lucky Lounge, 10 PM
Foco Rojo @ Cedar Street

May 12

Cienfuegos/La Mona Loca @ Ruta Maya, 9 PM
Javier Jazz @ Las Palomas Restaurant, 6:30 PM

May 13

Cypress Hill @ Stubb’s Amphitheater
0+ Positivo @ Speakeasy, 9:30 PM
Buzz Guerra @ Blue Dahlia Bistro, 7:30 PM

May 14

Live at the Plaza featuring Myrna Cabello @ Austin City Hall, Noon

O+Positivo @ Esquina Tango, 9 PM
Mariachi Tamazula @ El Sol y La Luna, 8 PM
Jonas Alvarez @ Baby Acapulco Stonelake Blvd., 7 PM
Los Flames @ Guero’s , 6:30 PM
Buzz Guerra @ La Pena Art Gallery, 6 PM

May 15

Tu Rock y Zero Absoluto @ Mi Casa Cantina
3 Jazz Collective, Sao Paulo Restaurant, 6 PM
Trio Los Romanceros @ Las Palomas Restaurant, 6:30 PM

May 16

Dolores Catholic Church Jamaica featuring Los Texas Wranglers & many other acts, All Day

The Brew @ The Oasis, 7 PM
Café con Letras @ Ruta Maya, 7 PM
Mariachi Relampago @ Nuevo Leon, 1 PM
Leticia Rodriguez @ Central Market Westgate, 12:30 PM
Buzz Guerra @ Blue Dahlia Bistro, 11:30 AM

May 18

Boombox with Carlos Sosa, Lucky Lounge @ 10 PM
Buzz Guerra @ UT Club, 5 PM

May 19

Cienfuegos/La Mona Loca @ Ruta Maya, 9 PM
Javier Jazz @ Las Palomas Restaurant, 6:30 PM

May 20

0+ Positivo @ Speakeasy, 9:30 PM
Buzz Guerra @ Blue Dahlia Bistro, 7:30 PM
Jonas Alvarez @ Maneul’s Great Hills, 6:30 PM

May 21

Pachanga Fest 2010 @ Fiesta Gardens featuring more than 20 bands over the course of the weekend. Visit www.PachangaFest.com for more details and to buy tickets.

Live at the Plaza featuring Grupo Fantasma @ Austin City Hall, Noon

Foco Rojo @ El Taquito (Round Rock)
Mariachi Tamazula @ El Sol y La Luna, 8 PM
Ritmo 3 @ El Sol y La Luna, 10 PM
Los Flames @ Guero’s , 6:30 PM
Leticia Rodriguez @ Connie’s Beer Garden, 1812 MLK Blvd., 6 PM

May 22

Pachanga Fest 2010 @ Fiesta Gardens featuring more than 20 bands over the course of the weekend. Visit www.PachangaFest.com for more details and to buy tickets.

3 Jazz Collective @ Sao Paulo Restaurant, 6 PM
Trio Los Romanceros @ Las Palomas Restaurant, 6:30 PM

May 23

Health Alliance for Austin Musicans (HAAM) Rockstar Brunch featuring Ocote Soul Sounds @ Zilker Clubhouse, Noon to 2 PM

Texas Music Museum – Tejano Legends Showcase (more details soon)

Ritmo 3 @ Ruta Maya, 8:30 PM
The Brew @ The Oasis, 7 PM
Mariachi Relampago @ Nuevo Leon, 1 PM
Buzz Guerra @ Blue Dahlia Bistro, 11:30 AM

May 25

Boombox with Carlos Sosa @ Lucky Lounge, 10 PM

May 26

Cienfuegos/La Mona Loca @ Ruta Maya, 9 PM
Javier Jazz @ Las Palomas Restaurant, 6:30 PM

May 27

0+ Positivo @ Speakeasy, 9:30 PM
Buzz Guerra @ Blue Dahlia Bistro, 7:30 PM

May 28

Live at the Plaza featuring Los T-Birds @ Austin City Hall, Noon

SIMS Foundation, Bembe Entertainment & Central Market (North Lamar) Latin Music Showcase featuring Huerta Culture & Os Alquimistas, 6:30 PM

Mariachi Tamazula @ El Sol y La Luna, 8 PM
Ritmo 3 @ El Sol y La Luna, 10 PM
Los Flames @ Guero’s , 6:30 PM

May 29

SIMS Foundation, Bembe Entertainment, Dance International & Central Market (North Lamar) “Salsa Central” 4th Annual Salsa Dance Competition featuring music by Cienfuegos and dance contest music by DJ Fabian, 6 PM

3 Jazz Collective @ Sao Paulo Restaurant, 6 PM
Trio Los Romanceros @ Las Palomas Restaurant, 6:30 PM

May 30

SIMS Foundation, Bembe Entertaiment & Central Market (North Lamar) Latin Music Showcase featuring UT South American Ensemble (12:30), Myrna Cabello (2:30), Mauricia Cabello (4:30), Vanessa Lively (6:30), Son de Rey (8:30).

The Brew @ The Oasis, 7 PM
Mariachi Relampago @ Nuevo Leon, 1 PM
La Tamiquena @ Momo’s
Jonas Alvarez @ Cantina Laredo, Noon
Leticia Rodriguez @ Manuel’s Downtown, 11:30 AM
Buzz Guerra @ Blue Dahlia Bistro, 11:30 AM

I always look forward to Latin Music Month in Austin, Texas during May because I know I can catch all my favorite Latin bands at one of the numerous venues or events. Plus ALMA puts together a comprehensive calender of events so that I don't have to search for my favorite bands, show dates or times and venues. Typically I'll search Austin Vida, do512, The Chrontourage, The Austin Chronicle, Austin360, The Austin American-Statesman, AhoraSi and read numerous blogs to compile a similar list for the week and sometimes the month. Lastly, the best event of Latin Music Month-Pachanga Latino Music Festival. I've attend the past two festival and have had a great time and have seen spectacular bands like Nortec Collective-Bostich y Fussible and Mexican Institute of Sound (M.I.S.). This year will be even better with major headliners like Bomba Stereo, Pilar Diaz, Pacha Massive and several local and regional bands. For me May is the official opening for Summer music and outdoor concerts. Hope to see you at some of the events.

Two Dudes Dancing???

Recently I posted a blog with Youtube video "The Dancing Coupe at Mi Casa to Los Texas Wranglers." My Facebook friend, John Montemayor from the Vinyl Dharma band posted this video on his wall and I just had to share it with you. When I first saw it I was rolling laughing on the floor. Maybe it's cruel but you have to admit, it is funny.

KALUA at El Taquito This Saturday

Kalua, another one of my favorite bands, will be performing at El Taquito Sabor Mexico in Round Rock, Texas this Saturday night, April 24, 2010 starting at 9:00 PM. El Taquito is located at 130 East Louis Henna Blvd. and their phone number is (512) 671-8226 for more information.

"Kalua is a band of four young, charismatic, Latin men from Austin, Texas....Their sound combines rock, reggae, punk and Latin, sung mainly in Spanish."

"They formed in 2007 with a purpose and a vision. They weren't just going to be a band, they were going to be a "premier band in contemporary Latin music worldwide." They wrote original material, went to the studio, worked hard and the end result was the "La Novedad" CD."

Kalua has worked hard, "they were at both Pachanga Latino Music Festivals, two time winners of Burger King's "Tu Ciudad, Tu Musica" contest, numerous TV appearances, radio interviews and print and media reviews." (Source: Rock y Roll Radio Blog)

I've been to El Taquito to see some excellent bands. I like the venue because the stage setting is intimate. You are up close and personal to the band and the sound system is pretty good for the small setting. The food is excellent but waiting to get you food is unreasonable. I hope El Taquito works on this issue because it could definitely work against them in the customer satisfaction area. Come see Kalua if you are a fan already or become a new fan once you hear and see them perform.






See you there.

"Groovin" on a Sunday Afternoon with Los Texas Wranglers

After seeing the entries in do512, austin360.com and other local periodicals advertising Los Texas Wranglers at Mi Casa Tamales and Cantina every Sunday from 3:00-7:00 PM, I knew I had to go see them. It's been about a year since I've seen Los Texas Wranglers at the 40th Annual Fiesta Amistad in Round Rock, Texas and you'll be able to see them again this year at the 41st Annual Fiesta Amistad. I'm sorry to say that I missed Los Texas Wranglers at the SXSW Tejano Music Showcase on March 18, 2010 although I did get to see Ruben Ramos and The Mexican Revolution and Little Joe y La Familia. I did record and downloaded videos of Ruben Ramos and Little Joe which you can see on my Youtube MannyGoCrazy Channel.

It felt kind of unusual going to 6th Street during the day because I tend to go downtown in the evening where clubs open their doors at 9:00 PM and the music starts around 10:30 PM or later and concludes at 1-2:00 AM. I do have to admit that I kind of liked this day time event because there's daylight, I didn't have to pay for parking, the streets weren't crowded with drunks and who doesn't like Groovin' on a Sunday Afternoon? I also have to admit that I like Mi Casa Tamales and Cantina. I have seen a lot of good bands at Mi Casa, eaten a few tamales and drunk a few beers. I like the comfortable atmosphere, the long bar and there's ample seating.

Even though Los Texas Wranglers were scheduled to perform 3-7:00 PM, they did have an opening band. The 211 Band performed approximately an hour and played Latin, Blues, Rock and Country. I liked the band's music, found them very entertaining and especially liked their interaction with the audience. I also had a chance to talk to Chris Cruz and find out more about the band. Like many Austin bands they're trying to establish a presence and a following. In talking to a lot of emerging bands, it a though road but the successful bands have a plan which includes social media, ie Facebook, Myspace, twitter and building alliances with other bands, both locally and regionally. Opening for Los Texas Wranglers is a step in the right direction because it introduces the band to a new audience and vice versa. Good luck and stay with it.



The Texas Wranglers also brought in a Ballet Folklorico Floor Show who performed "Baile de los Viejitos." The Texas Wranglers try to provide a show for the whole family to enjoy.



Los Texas Wranglers play all types of music and one thing that I've noticed is that people like to dance when they play. I saw this couple dance to most of the band's songs and I thought to myself, I wish I had their grace, style and stamina. I just enjoyed watching them dance.



Los Texas Wranglers have been together since 1999 and have become the standard for all other Conjunto bands to achieve. All the members are musically accomplished and have had or been part of other bands. The band specializes in Tejano/Conjunto music and also excels in Country, Blues and anything that makes you want to dance. Some of the awards Los Texas Wranglers have received individually and collectively at the recent Austin Music Awards include:

2009-2010 Austin Drummer of the Year - Julian Fernandez
#1 Latin Traditional Band of the Year
#2 Country Band of the Year
#5 Austin Band of the Year
#5 Album of the Year

Just to name a few of many awards.



You can catch Los Texas Wranglers' performance this Sunday at Mi Casa Tamales and Cantina located at 503 East 6th Street in Austin, Texas. The event is FREE and the music and entertainment are from 3:00-7:00 PM.

Mi Casa Tamales and Cantina supports Tejano/Conjunto music so please come and show your support for Los Texas Wranglers and keep Tejano/Conjunto downtown.

Los Skarnales at Flamingo Cantina on April 17th

I finally got to see Los Skarnales on February 20, 2010 at the Flamingo Cantina in Austin, Texas after missing their shows for a couple of years because of scheduling conflicts. I'm glad to say they are coming back to the Flamingo Cantina on April 17, 2010. Los Skarnales play a fantastic Mexican Ska like no other. They are very high energy and entertaining and if you're not dancing or bouncing up and down with their music, you just don't have a pulse. If you're a fan, be there and if you have never seen them or heard of them, here's you chance to have some fun.

Los Skarnales will also share the stage with Benjy Myaz and Spiritual.

You can also catch these three bands at the Austin Reggae Festival 2010 Friday through Sunday, April 16-18 at Auditorium Shores.







I'll be there will you?

Review: Austin Vida and Go Hispano Present Sexy Marvin

If you weren't at Stubb's Bar-B-Q on Wednesday, you missed the best show of the year. If you're asking, "Who in the hell is Sexy Marvin? Is he a guy? or What?" I had the same reaction when I heard about the showcase. I did go to Myspace to check out Sexy Marvin, a four piece band from Monterrey, Mexico, and I have to say I liked what I heard. I was also impressed by the bands they have shared a stage with, like Cold Play and Killers. I really didn't know what to expect but after seeing Sexy Marvin on Wednesday night, I have to say now I am a fan. I can see why they opened for Cold Play and Killer, they are that fantastic. Sexy Marvin has an Indie, Rock sound which everyone will like. Check out the video of "Follow" I recorded at Stubb's and you come to your own conclusion.



The other band on the line up, Vinyl Dharma, is a band that I had heard of but have never seen. They are a local five piece Austin band that won MTV2's On the Rise Contest and MTV2 also recorded a Vinyl Dharma performance at Stubb's which was featured on MTV2's "Austin Week" in December 2008. Vinyl Dharma is an Indie band with Electronica and Alternative influences which fit in perfectly with Sexy Marvin and they also blew me away. I also had an opportunity to talk to John Montemayor, guitar, about the band, their music and their Brownville, Texas background. John is a really nice guy, very friendly and was gracious enough to give me a copy of their Vinyl Dharma EP. I've been playing the EP over and over again and it's great. Get a copy if you can. Check the video I recorded at Stubb's of Vinyl Dharma performing "The Sunshine Rave."



The opening band, Rubik, is also from Monterrey and is a band that I last saw at Ruta Maya back in January. They play Alternative, Grunge and Britpop and I have also become a solid fan of Rubik. They played exceptionally well and complimented both Vinyl Dharma and Sexy Marvin music. I was again lucky to receive another CD, this time a copy of Rubik's "Abril" CD from Angie, the lead vocal and front girl. Thank you Angie and hope to see Rubik soon. I'm sorry to say I was unable to record Rubik that night but please view a Ruta Maya performance.



The showcase was presented by Austin Vida and Go Hispano and produced by Vivo Alternativo. I have to say they put together an exceptional line up and are to be congratulated for their creativity. There are other showcases in the making and you can bet I'll be there. Will you?