Monthly Archives: June 2009

I’m still in shock about Michael Jackson’s sudden death and saddened about the mysterious circumstances surrounding it. But like always, Michael’s music is helping me feel better and instead focus on his seemingly magical ability to entertain audiences around the world with that voice and those moves.

I turned 6 in 1984 and got the best birthday present ever. You can tell by my reaction how I felt about my Thriller album and about Michael Jackson. I don’t know what those other three gifts on the table were but I’m sure they were nice, too!

Earlier this year, I bought the special edition Thriller CD and marveled at how his songs still moved me.

It’s understandable that the media must include all aspects of his life when they report on this story, but I like to remember the Michael on stage and in his groundbreaking music videos – dancing with his signature spinning, popping and gliding and singing with that smooth, emotional sound.

It was obviously lonely at the top for Michael but his music and his magic will continue to make people happy for a long, long time to come.  I hope that he realized that during his life or at least knows it now.

Thanks Michael for introducing me to the power of music and dance!

Video interviews are coming up from Thursday night’s Tejano y Mas one-year anniversary concert and celebration. We spoke with Gabriel Zavala, the host of Tejano y Mas, who was also celebrating his birthday that night! Other interviews include:

• A.J. Castillo – accordionist and vocalist, who performed with his younger brother, Sergio
• Von Army – whose young, energetic members include Emilio Navaira’s two sons, Diego and Emilio
• Onajet and Anajet (and a special guest) – who appear on Tejano Y Mas regularly as the comic relief

Don’t forget that Saturday night, Graham Central Station is hosting Stefani Montiel’s CD release party.

In addition to Stefani, there are a lot of new releases out, including two live CDs from Elida Reyna and Jay Perez.  We’ll review Jay’s and Elida’s CD and also have a video interview with Elida about the experience of recording her live CD at the Cine El Rey in McAllen, Texas.

Keep visiting the site for these updates!

The Recording Academy event on June 18, 2009, with the Latin Recording Academy featured panelists from various areas of the music industry. Click the flyer image at right for more details.

Interviews in this video include:

• Theresa Jenkins, executive director, The Recording Academy -Texas Chapter
• Michael Salgado, Freddie Records artist and Grammy winner
• Sunny Sauceda, Tejano artist (also a Grammy winner)
• Michael Morales, former artist and now producer and owner of Studio M

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Club Rio
13307-A San Pedro
HWY 281& Bitters
San Antonio, Tx 78216
p.210.403.2582
f.210.403.3904
info@club-rio.net

Performances by:
Stefani Montiel
Sunny Sauceda
Chicas de Canela
Grupo Metal
Von Ormy
David Lee Garza
A.J. Castillo
Grupo Alamo

Hosted by: Gabriel Zavala

Schedule:
7 p.m. – Doors Open
8 p.m. – Red Carpet
9 p.m. – Show Starts

Tejano Y Mas LIVE Promo

This afternoon’s “Pulso de la Musica Latina 2009″ panel at the St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio delivered advice from diverse perspectives in the music industry.  Artists, producers, songwriters, attorneys and record label execs were represented and doled out helpful advice for keeping up with a fast-evolving entertainment industry.  The event was hosted by the Recording Academy Texas Chapter with the Latin Recording Academy.  

Key tips from the experienced panelists included:

•  Take social networking opportunities seriously as powerful promotional tools, including MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, but an artist must tour and aggressively reach out to retailers, remembering the all-important but often overlooked independent music shops.
• In spite of free downloading sites, mp3s and iTunes, consumers still purchase CDs and in the Latin music industry, they do so more than digital downloads.
• It’s all about the song: a quality song will take an artist far as music fans will always find ways to invest in music they love.

Tejano artists were well represented at the event and spoke with Tejano Beat, sharing their latest news:

• Sunny Sauceda, who has mastered the art of Twitter and who serves as vice president of the Academy’s Texas chapter, talked about his daily tweets that aren’t just music-related but include his struggle with dieting and working out, which give his fans a more personal look into his life and career;
• Michael Salgado, a panelist, showed off his flashy black boots with accordion-inspired designs that are part of his new boot line and he has plans for a hat line, too;
• Joe Posada, who is one of several governors for the Academy’s Texas chapter, rushed in from a gig still carrying his sax (which he calls his “baby”), and said his new CD should drop in a few weeks.

More highlights from the event – including interviews and event footage – is on the way! And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the 2009 Latin Grammy Awards to take place in Sin City on Nov. 5!

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO SEE MORE DETAILS.

The Recording Academy – producers of the Grammy Awards – will host “Pulso de la Musica Latina,” a music panel and mixer event on Thursday, June 18, 2009, that will examine opportunities in the music industry during uncertain times.

The event will be held at the St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio, Texas. The panel is from 1-4:30 p.m., followed by a mixer from 5-7 p.m.  A morning session from 10:30-11:30 a.m. will let participants “Meet the Grammys.”

Panelists for the 1-4:30 event include:

• Michael Salgado, Freddie Records artist
• Velia Gonzalez, ASCAP Latino
• Yocel Alonso, entertainment attorney
• Escorpion, Digital 104.1 FM
• Chris Lieck, Tejas Records

Admission is free for Recording Academy and Latin Recording Academy members and $30 for the public.

RSVP by Tuesday, June 16 to rsvp_texas@grammy.com.

29th Annual Tejano Music Awards – Nominees Dance -
WHEN : Thursday, July 9, 2009
WHERE : Graham Central Station
San Antonio, Texas