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November 2007
Can We Survive
Number Four? Las Vegas….Back Again! Part 2
It
is now Saturday morning. I am awakened by the sound of some one
talking on a cell phone. It is my friend and fellow Board member Joe
Lozano. He was talking to his wife and telling her about the awesome
musical talent displayed the night before. I walked towards the window
and gazed out looking at the traffic moving so fast on the freeway.
Joe finished his conversation and asked what I was looking at. I told
him that we were in this wonderful hotel having a great time but the
people out on the freeway were on their way to work. They were
oblivious to why we were here and they could care less about the
Tejano music history that happened the night before. I told Joe that
the rush hour resembled that of a colony of ants going back and forth
at a hundred miles an hour. Joe just looked at me and gave me a
bewildered look.
It
was now time to head back to the fan fare and get ready for some more
meet and greet. There were a whole bunch of people now and man what a
work out we got saying hello and taking pictures with a lot of
wonderful people. What happened next was a very pleasant surprise.
Some of the groups that played the day before were getting ready to
play again. Only this time we were given some other groups who were
going to play. In no special order (because I lost my notes again) I
will try my best to tell you about them.
I
will start with the group Alamo I believe was the name. They were
really good. They also gave an added bonus by having Jimmy Edward sing
a song with them. Also in the house was AmbiXion. These gentlemen from
Dallas showed us what the next generation of urban conjunto is all
about.
We
also had a performance by a young lady who’s first name was Candice. I
don’t remember her last name and I apologize but she had a really good
voice. We were also treated to another surprise when Megan Leyva
honored us with a song. This turned out to be a show all of its own.
We
were also treated to some more of Los Enmascarados. They showed the
people their own style of South Texas conjunto. These entire artist
played as if their reputations were on the line. I was totally in awe
with the music. No one beat any other one out. They were all good at
what they played and they didn’t sound alike. This is what the real
Tejano music is all about. We have to start opening the door for these
young talented tejanos/tejanas. THEY ARE OUR FUTURE.
What
was more amazing about that day was that the people started to dance
even though there was limited space. Most of these bands were playing
really good cumbias and salsa. This got everyone in the mood for
dancing. In the end the whole scenario was that of musical with
everyone dancing at the end. All good things come to an end and it was
off to our room to recuperate. In no time at all we realized that it
was 7:00 p.m. SHOW TIME!!!
The
first band that I saw was La Tropa F. They started with ‘Corazon
Herido’. They were off to a good start but it was different without
David Farias. It wasn’t bad at all but just different. They quickly
went into ‘Luna de Miel’. The crowd was really into it by now and the
dancing was incredible. It was as if everyone had gone to a dance
class and practiced the style and movements. It was really a sight to
see. They also played ‘Tocando Puertas’. The lead singer took a little
getting used to but he really knew how to work the crowd. He didn’t
miss a note and you could tell that he was really into his singing. He
had T-shirts over his shoulder that he threw into the crowd every now
and then. Did I mention they were dressed up in camouflage trench
coats? La Tropa then went on with ‘Arco Iris’ (it’s a rainbow but I
know you knew that). La Tropa showed how multi-talented they were.
Some alternated from one instrument to another. They were there to
play and play they did. I don’t know the name of the next song but
they did a little military choreography in the beginning. It was
really cool. Next on the list was ‘Lagrimas’. La tropa was pulling out
all the stops and they gave their best to the delight of the crowd but
no one was expecting what was coming next……Mr. Freddie Martinez. The
opening bars to ‘Una Estrellita Lloro’ made the crowd by the stage go
crazy. Freddie was at his best and quickly went into ‘El Arbolito’.
There was dancing, dancing, dancing all around me. My youngest son,
Andres, was standing next to me and was in complete awe. He had never
witnessed Tejano Music History from a FRONT ROW SEAT. A tear ran down
my cheek when he looked at me and thanked me for bringing him with me
to Vegas.
Freddie
went on with his music and had the crowd going with ‘Botocito De
Carino’. Freddie finished his set with ‘Te Traigo Estas Flores”. The
crowd just loved the whole thing. Those who didn’t dance were swaying
back and forth with their loved one. Yes People…The Tejanos were in
the house. LaTropa finished with ‘Juan Sabor’. La Tropa had some very
good timbale and electronic drum playing that added to the spice of
their music. Excellent Bajo Sexto and keyboards. They definitely gave
the people their monies worth….Very electrifying performance.
After
a short break the lights dimmed and SHOW TIME once again. The opening
bars of the accordion brought the crowd to a deafening roar. Jesse
Serrata was in the house. Rene Lopez was busy pushing and pulling the
bellows of his accordion. The guys were deck in really nice suits. It
reminded me of the days when every artist dress really nice and looked
very professional. Ahhh... the days of yesteryear. Bring them BACK! We
heard the opening verse that went something like this:
aYe
aMiGo
qUe cReEs qUe pAso
The
crowd went absolutely crazy with this song. Mario Gonzales (drums),
David Martinez (guitar), Rene Lopez (accordion), And Jesse Serrata
were there to show the world what Progressive Conjunto was all about.
The
next song really caught the attention of my son’s ears. “Que Metida De
Pata”. There was dancing and singing everywhere by the crowd. My son
yelled, “Dad, they are playing grandpa’s song.” A couple next to us
heard him and they asked if Juan Sifuentes was his grandpa. My son
excitedly, and with great pride, told them yes. My son then told them
that I was Juan Sifuentes Jr. The nice gentleman introduced himself
and his wife. They were from Kingsville, Texas. They were really big
fans of my father’s music. They asked if they could take a picture. My
son then stepped back. They told him that they wanted him in the
picture also. You should have seen the look on my son’s face. After
the picture I had several more people wanting to take our picture and
my son went crazy. My son then said that he could really get used to
this picture taking thing. I just gave him a smile. Our attention was
caught by some ear-splitting, awesome, high pitched, wailing lead
guitar done by Tejano R.o.o.t.s. inductee Mr. David Martinez.
Absolutely fantastic job by David.
Next
on Jesse’s list was ‘ Por Que Sera Que La Quiero’.
The people quickly got to dancing and
singing again. Cha Cha Jimenez was introduced and the whole place went
crazy. There was a thunderous applause and people by the stage ran for
the dance floor. Rene Lopez went into “Buena Suerte Corazon”. A tear
ran down my cheek. My cousin was on stage, in Las Vegas, and he looked
so regal. There was a pause between songs and Cha Cha spoke to the
audience. He told them that this music was his roots and he would
never, ever, betray his roots. There was a loud applause by the
people. The band then went into “Quiero Conoserte”. A song written by
Rene Serrata. The harmony between Cha Cha and Jesse was unbelievable.
The band then Played “Quatro Lupes” as their final song. When they
finished the crowd started to yell, “More, More!” they would not be
denied. They kept at it until the band was asked to come back and do
an encore. What a night people. I was in Tejano Heaven…they came back
and did “Dile A tu Marido Que Te Vas”. Man what a way to end their
set. The lights came on and the people just kept talking about how
they wanted more and the awesome display of harmonies and musical
talent. Jesse, Cha Cha , and the New Wave Band…take a Bow my friends.
You did South Texas proud.
The
lights came on. The people wanted more. Sorry to say that the show
ended quickly. But the world got their monies worth with Jesse and Cha
Cha. IN between intermission I was taking a lot of pictures. I got to
hear some of Joe Posadas’ music and Leslie Lugo. Great combination.
Joe Posada’s style and musical excellence raises the bar and sets a
higher standard of our music. That man must have been born with a
saxophone in his hand. Leslie’s voice has a certain distinct sound,
mixed with a little sex appeal, that anyone can appreciate. I am just
sorry that I missed most of the performance. I could still see a lot
of dancing going on though.
The
next and final act that I got to see was Ram Herrera. It was real easy
trying to figure out why he is called the ‘Most wanted Man’ in Tejano
Music. He still has great vocal talent. If I didn’t know better I
would say that Ram had some
experience in Choir while in high school. His vocal control and
technique is second to none out there. The people really got into the
Tejano Spirit, again, and flocked the stage as well as the dance
floor. I watched the dance floor and I noticed the people that were
dancing. The majority were moving in sequence almost as if the whole
dance was choreographed. There was twirling, dipping, and sashaying
all over the place. It almost resembled the synchronized swimming
event of the Olympics. I got a lump in my throat just watching all of
these beautiful people having a great time. I was reminded of, back in
the days, when Alice was the home of ‘Monday Night’ dancing. I saw
many people falling in love all over again and just having a great
time. My attention was caught by cheers coming from the crowd at the
stage. It seems that Ram also had a special guest… Emilio Navaira. The
crowd was eating it all up. Ram played most of his signature songs and
then kicked it up a notch with Emilio. My attention was drawn to the
dance floor again. There was a young man, about 12 years old, dancing
with his mom. He saw me looking at him and he gave me thumbs up. I
just smiled back at him. People...I just can’t say this enough. I was
taken to a very, higher, most beautiful place that night. I can’t
really describe it. One has to FEEL it in order to understand what I
am talking about. I heard Ram and Emilio sing ‘Nasiste Para Mi’.
Great! Great! Great! Then they did their rendition of “Cuatro Caminos”
with Emilio strutting his stuff on the catwalk. I had to leave for a
bit and the show ended. I know I missed lot.
The
next morning was spent getting ready to leave for our great State of
Texas. We said our good byes to our old and new friends. I reflected a
little on the night before and again another tear. Some times I wonder
whether I am wasting my time writing about these events. I was
re-assured the night before when a whole lot of people stopped dancing
to come shake my hand and thank me for all that I do for our music. I
was very humbled by this experience. I feel that if one person reads
what I have to say…Then it is very well worth it. But if it wasn’t for
our ‘Tejano Stars’ events like these would not be possible.
As
we drove out of Las Vegas some how the town seemed smaller during the
day. There was a peaceful “Quiet” through out the town. The Nine of us
shared the van ride back home. We laughed, talked, and even shared a
tear or two. One thing for sure…..Our lives will never be the same…I
love you MI GENTE…..Juan |
