|
February 2007
TEJANO 2007 -
ARE YOU READY FOR IT?
Man it is hard to believe
that we are in the 7th year of the millennium. It seems
that just yesterday we were enjoying the very distinct sound of our
music everywhere we went. Whether in San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, or
the Valley our beautiful music was being played all over. Never in my
wildest dreams did I ever think that our music would come close to
total extinction, from the airwaves, despite the fact that the
instigators of the hostile take-over of the airwaves warned us. No one
believed that it would actually happen. 1999 through the present has
been a tough climb for our music. Many people defected and embraced
the ‘Musical Fusion’ of Tejano/Norteno style. I call it ‘Mutation’.
I
love the old school sound of yesteryear but I am always willing to
embrace the new blood as long as it stays true to the unmistakable
sound of our unique music. I was shocked when I found out that many
Tejanos could not tell the difference between the Tejano and the
Norteno style, especially the younger generation. To them it was
simply “Mexican” music. My children were no exception. I blame myself
for that and took it upon myself to educate them on the history and
the difference between the 2 genres.
Yes
folks we were in dire straights indeed. I feel that we are on the
rebound. People are no longer playing the ‘blame game’ and are
actually coming up with ideas and actions that are putting a halt to
our extinction on the airwaves and slowly, but surely we are making a
comeback. Internet radio has played a big part with bringing our music
back. Internet radio stations started popping up all over the
continental United States. We can thank ChicanoExpress.com for that.
Great job Chuy.
The
Tejano R.O.O.T.S. organization has certainly been a big help along
with the Tejano Academy in San Antonio. The TTMA has had it’s set
backs but one cannot deny that thousands flock to the annual fanfare
to see their favorite artist perform free of charge. Tejano websites
have been a tremendous help with promotion, education, ideas, and
suggestions to help bring our music back to the radio. A lot of
Tejano music advocates have come forth and rallied a lot of people to
support our music by going to the Tejano events across the nation.
Last year we
had the TTMA music fanfare and music awards. What a week that was. We
also had the Tejas Records showcase at the Cadillac bar. Great music
people. Definitely worth the price of admission. The Tejano Music
Convention was certainly one of the highlights of the year. Incredible
job by David and Sarah Chavez along with their posse. The Tejano
R.o.o.t.s. Hall-of-Fame induction and Noche de Fiesta Tejana weekend
was by far one of the best to date. Thanks to the then CEO, Javier
Villanueva, and the rest of the Board of Directors. There is a new
president for Tejano R.o.o.t.s. His name is Albert Martinez. Mr.
Villanueva will stay on the Board of Directors and Chairman of Events
for the organization. Arizona is doing their part to bringing the
music back. Topeka, Kansas is knocking at the door. Tejanos de Oregon
is with us. I hear that Illinois is also doing their part. The Valley
in Texas is smoking hot with our music. San Benito has its Conjunto
awards and their Hall of Fame. MAN THE MOVEMENT HAS STARTED PEOPLE.
We
have the Artist to thank for our wonderful music. Especially the early
innovators of our music. The orchestras of the early 60’s and 70’s
raised the bar and set a higher standard for our music along with the
‘progressive conjuntos’. That is why the veterans have longevity in
our music. They were/are “trend setters”. When these legends gave
birth to our style they brought in a new listening audience. THE
EDUCATED LISTENER. The reason being that the younger generation of the
era went and got themselves degrees in music and applied that
knowledge accordingly. The rest is history. Now we have the New Blood
and they are hungry. Let’s mix the OLD with the NEW and continue to
move forward instead of the other way. The artists have the people to
thank. Without the fans, there would be no music. There would be no
legends. We have a lot to go folks. We can start with the TTMA Fanfare
this year in San Antonio, Texas. Word has it that people from all over
the country will be meeting for a little ‘Summit’ to exchange ideas to
move our music forward. For those that are interested go to the Tejano
Awareness Message Board for more details. Let’s make 2007 OUR YEAR.
The train is temporarily stopped for US to climb aboard….But it won’t
wait forever. We don’t have to make a loud noise. We can do it with a
Tejano Whisper… |
