Arthur Yoria: Songwriter and Singer Extraordinaire

Every once in a while it seems I fall into a musical rut. I go see my favorite bands and listen to my favorite music over and over again. And sometimes to tell you the truth, it seems there are periods where there are no new up and coming bands or talent. I like to keep it fresh by discovering new bands, artist and music. I'll read tons of blogs, scour the The Austin Chronicle, do512.com, austin360 and social media to find those new artist. I will also ask musicians, people I meet at venues and people in the know, "Who do I need to go see?" I get various suggestions and many times I'll make it a point go see a recommended band. Occasionally, I'll come across a band or two that have that something extra special.

I went through a rut this past winter. It was a combination of the extremely cold weather and there just wasn't anybody new out there. Well, on a cold December night I decided to go to Momo's and thanks to Bemba Entertainment I came across Arthur Yoria. Arthur was the last set, the cold kept people at home and it was midnight. When Arthur started playing, I immediately knew Arthur was special. I literally said out loud, "damn this guy is good!" Arthur ingeniously used recorded loops, samples and beats to create music I've never heard before. I liked his stage presence and his demeanor. At that point I decided I had to know more about Arthur the singer/songwriter/musician, meet him and in my small way promote Arthur's music. I've seen Arthur perform several times since then plus I'm also on his e-mail list and Facebook friends. I've gotten to know Arthur on a personal level and he's a down to earth good guy.

Briefly, Arthur was born in Chicago, lived in Houston and circuitously is now in Austin. Arthur has a long list of accomplishment and credits that include songs in TV show, songs in movies and extensive touring. What I'm most impressed with is his variety and extensive catalog of music. When you listen to the lyrics, you get a glimpse of Arthur the person, his heart and his soul and his music delivers the message. Arthur is of Colombian heritage so his music will also include songs in Spanish. Arthur Yoria is that artist that got me out of my rut and brought a breath of fresh air to the Austin music scene. Put Arthur Yoria on your artist/band must see list and you to will say "damn this guy is good" too.

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.