Monthly Archives: March 2010

The artist who created the April 2010 Texas Monthly cover writes in his blog about the creative process that resulted in the cover that depicts Selena as a saint-like figure with red lipstick and the glow of a halo behind her head.  Those who don’t like the image should know that it could have been worse. The artist, Marc Burckhardt, discusses (and posts a photo of) an initial design based on the Stations of the Cross that would have shown pivotal scenes from Selena’s short life, including the shooting on March 31, 1995.

Check out the blog posting and see what could have been and then breathe a sigh of relief at the more tasteful, albeit still provocative, cover image they ultimately chose. And more importantly, buy the April issue of Texas Monthly and read the oral history inside that gives a look at Selena’s life from a wide range of perspectives including childhood friends, family members, former bandmates and employees and industry insiders.

Texas Monthly features the image of Selena on the cover of its April 2010 issue.  The drawing, which you can see in the image at left, shows Selena as a saintlike figure who holds a white flower and wears her trademark red lipstick.  In Texas Monthly editor Jake Silverstein’s blog, he writes: “This month, to mark the fifteenth anniversary of her death, we bring you an oral history of her incredible life and tragic end, and this beautiful cover, depicting the slain singer as the folk hero and popular saint she has become.”

The cover story features interviews with Selena’s sister, Suzette; her father, Abraham; and her brother, A.B.  Chris Perez, Selena’s husband, is featured, too.  Also interviewed are industry insiders and people who knew Selena from her childhood, her early years as a young vocalist, and people who worked with her toward the end of her life, including a stylist who worked in Selena’s boutique and the designer who helped her with her clothing line.

The oral history is telling and while I’ve read many Selena articles and a couple of her biographies, this interview really brought home for me just how hard it was for Selena and her family in the early years as they struggled financially and turned to music not for fun at first, but to earn a living.

It’s tough reading some of the excerpts, including accounts from friends and employees that showed just how trusting and naive Selena seemed to be and how she had faith in all of the people around her, including the woman who would eventually take her life. Read the rest of this entry →

Apparently, she won’t.  Jennifer Pena had been announced as a special performer at this year’s Tejano Music Awards Fan Fair – following her surprise appearance last year. But the latest word is that she will not be a part of the lineup.  Whether it was miscommunication, disagreement or just a cancellation or a mixture of reasons – who knows?

It’s too bad for her fans but Tejano fans still have hundreds of reasons to attend Fan Fair including the appearance of the following artists:

Grammy-winning Los Texmaniacs who know how to bring down the house;

Stefani Montiel, who brings a pop/R&B feel to her music – and knows how to perform;

Elida Reyna, who consistently delivers fresh, new music;

Jay Perez, “The Voice,” always a crowd pleaser; and

exciting new up-and-coming artists like Chicas de Canela and Ilyssa Saenz, the Texas native who won the international “Search for Selena’s Double” contest in February, sponsored by Telefutura.

And as far as surprises, some performance or appearance always surprises at the TMA Fan Fair so head out and enjoy it!

Fan Fair is FREE and goes on from noon to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 19-21, 2010.

Los Texmaniacs will tear it up and OFFICIALLY kick it off with a live performance Friday morning at 8 a.m. in Market Square. Listen to KXTN Tejano 107.5FM to hear the broadcast!

GET THE FAN FAIR SCHEDULE: http://www.tejanomusicawards.com/fanfairperf.html

San Antonio-based writer Kiko Martinez recently interviewed Suzette Quintanilla Arriaga, Selena’s sister, about Selena’s legacy. She also updates fans about her brother, A.B., and his current musical project. At the end of the interview, Suzette clears up rumors about the upcoming book about Selena written by a woman who claims to have been Selena’s former publicist. The author, Cristina Castrellón, makes the outrageous claim that she has contact with Selena through a psychic.  Crazy stuff.

The article also includes information about “La Leyenda” – the four-CD box set released to commemorate Selena’s life that includes a booklet with personal messages from Selena fans.

Read his article, “‘La Leyenda’ Builds on Legacy of Late Tejano Singer: Selena’s sister says 15 years hasn’t helped fill hole in her heart.”

Too much Tejano news is actually a good problem to have!  Before I get some much-needed rest – until tomorrow! – here are some of the tastier tidbits:

• Tejano Music Awards Fan Fair is next weekend, March 19-21, 2010!  Visit the TejanoMusicAwards Web site for details.

• FAN FAIR AFTER PARTIES:

FRIDAY, March 19: Tejas Records 13th Annual VIP Party and artist showcase at the Cadillac Bar on 212 South Flores – The event is on Friday, March 19 from 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. and will feature three stages of music from top artists and surprise guests – $10 – This party is always packed so get there early!

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, March 20 and 21, 2010: The return of T-Town – Hosted by 2010 Grammy Winners Los Texmaniacs
When: Saturday March 20th, 2010
Los Texmaniacs & “The Reunion” David Lee Garza Y Los Musicales featuring “The Voice” Jay Perez
Plus: Surprise
Sunday March 21st, 2010
Los Texmaniacs & Country Star Rick Trevino
Plus surprise special guest appearances both nights

Where: El Fuerte (T-TOWN) Nightclub 7011 San Pedro, San Antonio TX 78216
Additional info: $ 20 General Admission, One ticket gets you in both nights, Limited number of VIP tickets available which includes a meet and greet green room access: $35
Tickets available @ Janie’s Records, Mi Pueblito, El Fuerte
For ticket info call:  Janie’s Records: 210-735-2070 or El Fuerte: 210-541-9591

The San Antonio Spurs will celebrate Noche Latina on Wednesday, March 24, with music provided by Tejano star Jay Perez. The game against the Los Angeles Lakers is sold out, according to the Spurs.com Web site, but a limited amount of standing-room-only tickets will be available after 5 p.m. on game day, according to Perez’ management.

Jay “The Voice” Perez will perform a pre-game concert at the “Overtime” stage; sing the JayPerezDCanthem.jpgnational anthem before the game; and finish off with a post-game concert.

Read the rest of this posting on my City Brights blog on MySA.com: http://voices.mysanantonio.com/sylviacarrizales/2010/03/jay-perez-y-los-spurs.html

Thanks!

Texas native Ilyssa Saenz captured the title of “Selena’s Double” last week after winning the Telefutura competition, “Buscando a La Doble de Selena.”

Check out the videos online of the finalists performing and decide for yourself.  The winner has a great voice!

The competition was sponsored by Escándalo TV.