2025 NMCAC Festival Magazine-32st Annual Conjunto Festival

THANK YOU SPONSORS

32nd Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival | 2025 Supporters

107 CUTZ by Arturo - Combes

A & V Lopez Super Carniceria - Los Fresnos

AEP Texas

Blanquita’s Restaurant - San Benito

Casa de Proyecto Libertad

Cross Country Mortgage - Houston

Conjunto Hall of Fame Radio

Country Inn & Suites by Marriott - HGN

Dairy Queen-Los Fresnos

David Armendariz, Agent, State Farm

Dr. & Mrs. Ramon de León

El Gallito Mexican Restaurant

Fiddle Festival- Blanco TX

First Community Bank

Graciela Garza, Dignity Funeral Home

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton - HGN

Hernandez Tortilla Factory – Los Fresnos

Hohner - Gilberto Reyes, Jr.

Hurricane Fence Company

Johnny & Marisela Hernandez

Julian F. Alvarez M.D. Pediatric Clinic

L & F Distributors

La Especial Bakery (Ornelas) San Benito

La Reyna Bakery - Harlingen

La Voz Newspaper - Austin

Las Vegas Café

Legacy Insurance & Wealth Services, LLC Los

Fresnos Chamber of Commerce

Los Fresnos CISD

Los Fresnos City/CDC

Los Fresnos Funeral Home

Los Fresnos Inn & Suites

Los Fresnos News

Los Fresnos Rodeo

Lucky Shot - San Benito

Dan Margolies

Mariaelena Villarreal Photography

Mark Becerra, Realtor KWLRGV

Medicine Shoppe (The)

Nailea Beauty Pro

Noble Texas Builders, LLC

Paul Gonzales Insurance

Reef Industries, Inc.

Ric Madrigal - Dia De Los Muertos Caminata

RG Lowrider Brims

Roberto Lopez, CPA

Robyn’s Cheesecake Café

Sammy’s Farmhouse

San Benito News

South Texas Conjunto Association South

Texas Human Rights Center Southern

Commercial Real Estate Group

Squeezebox Entertainment

Taqueria El Cien – Los Fresnos

Tere Villarreal Legacy, Songwriter Texas

Southmost College

Texas Visiting Nurse Service, LTD. Trevino

Funeral Home

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center

Thomae-Garza Funeral Home

Trinity Funeral Homes - Lenny Elizondo

Trinity Funeral Homes- Freddy Elizondo

V.I.P. Realty

Valley Aesthetics Medical SPA

Valley View Senior Living

Vinson’s Training School

WRogelio T. Nuñez

DIR E C TOR

elcome to the 32nd Annual Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center Conjunto Festival.

As we gather once again for another festival that honors the enduring spirit of conjunto, let us remember that every note played on the accordion and every step taken on the dance floor adds to a living legacy carried by generations. The vibrancy of conjunto is reflected not only in the tireless efforts of those who take the stage, but in the community’s unwavering devotion to preserving the heart and soul of tradition. Each festival is a mosaic of stories—of families who travel miles to reunite under the shade of a pavilion, of elders who pass down treasured steps and melodies to eager grandchildren, and of newcomers who find a sense of belonging through music that transcends borders. It is a living archive built in real time, echoing with laughter, applause, and the unmistakable shuffle of dancing shoes.

It is this sense of shared purpose and celebration that makes the festival more than an event—it is an annual reaffirmation of identity. As traditions are renewed and memories forged, we continue to affirm that conjunto is not merely music played or dances performed, but a living testament to the spirit of a people whose rhythm endures. The other aspect and just as important are the participants at these events, the dancers. They are the performers of polkas, rancheras, shotis, redovas, cumbias, boleros, and huapangos. Conjunto music is dance music, and these dance performers assure, as well as the musicians, that the music is preserved.

For every band that polishes its sound for the festival spotlight, there are countless unsung heroes whose passion sustains the genre. The sound engineers, the vendors, the cooks who serve up local fare, the artisans who craft instruments and costumes, and the volunteers who greet each guest with warmth. These collective contributions form the backbone of conjunto’s legacy.

Musicians spend many hours learning the music, creating the musical arrangements, learning to vocalize primera voz, segunda, voz, and sometimes the third voice. The people responsible for running the sound must know how to coordinate with the band to ensure that the music sounds presentable. While musical festivals like the NMCAC Conjunto festival, which occurs only once a year, it is important to follow these musicians in their other performances, e.g., paid dances. In the Rio Grande Valley, you can find conjunto dances every weekend. Dance hall promoters are also especially important in preserving conjunto music: La Lomita Park, Sammy’s Farmhouse, and the Lucky Shot have dances every weekend- 52 weekends out of the year. Attending paid dances is particularly important. If we want our conjunto music tradition to continue it is important we attend these weekend dances. In San Benito, Texas La Villita Dance Hall, which was considered one of the most important conjunto dance venues since the 1940’s closed its doors about two and half years ago. This unfortunate moment left a major vacuum in the conjunto music industry (see article I wrote in the magazine “The Lucky Shot Saved My Life” to get a sense of the impact).

As we celebrate the Conjunto Festival in 2025, let us not forget that many of our conjunto artists have moved on in life. On July 31, 2025, we lost Leonard “Flaco” Jimenez, and the world mourned his loss, while at the same time his life was celebrated for all his accomplishments. There will be those who reach a level of fame, while others are rarely mentioned, but what is important is whether famous or not, these musicians and the people who dance to their music are what has kept this tradition alive for over a century.

As we look to the future, the pulse of conjunto relies on the commitment of new generations to embrace both innovation and tradition, finding fresh ways to keep the music alive while honoring the foundations laid by those before them. Through mentorship, collaboration, and the integration of modern influences, young musicians are composing their own verses in the ongoing story of conjunto. Each rehearsal and each stage performance becomes a thread in the fabric of community, weaving together pride, joy, and the enduring rhythm that connects us all. The festival thus becomes not only a celebration but a promise—a compromiso to nurture this living art form and keep its spirit thriving, so that every melody, every dance, and every gathering ensures conjunto’s legacy will echo for generations yet to come.

We want to thank the countless people, i.e., musicians, attendees, volunteers who make the NMCAC Conjunto festival a success every year. The City of Los Fresnos, the Los Fresnos Community Development Corporation, the Los Fresnos Chamber of Commerce faithfully support our festival every year. Let us celebrate the weekend with great music, great dancing, and most importantly great comradeship. ¡Y a bailar se ha dicho! Muchas gracias, Su servidor, Rogelio T. Núñez

www.cityoflosfresnos.com

520 East Ocean Boulevard

Los Fresnos, TX 78566

(956)233-5768

Welcome to Los Fresnos - A Growing Community with Deep Roots and Bright Futures

FFounded in 1915, Los Fresnos has grown from its early settler roots into a thriving, family-friendly community that blends small-town charm with big opportunities. Our vibrant quality of life continues to attract families, businesses, and nature lovers alike.

Los Fresnos CISD is a recognized state leader in academics, and we’re proud to introduce our new  Career & Technical Education (CTE) Building, offering students hands-on experience, industry certifications, and a wide range of career pathways, all guided by passionate, expert educators.

Our City Council is committed to enhancing both quality of life and economic development. We maintain strong partnerships with workforce development organizations and higher education institutions to support our growing population and business community.

Public safety is a top priority, with a professional and dedicated Police Department, Fire Department, EMS, and a beautiful Scenic Nature Park. Thanks to seasonal bird migrations, Los Fresnos is quickly becoming a premier birding destination in South Texas.

We’re a city on the move, growing fast with competitive land values and low property taxes. Our community spirit shines through in events like the annual PRCA Rodeo, Stock Show, Cowboy Cook-Off, Conjunto Festival, seasonal family-friendly festivals, and much more.

Local attractions like Fragile Planet Wildlife Park and Bonita Flats Farm & Vineyard offer unique experiences for residents and visitors alike, from safari adventures to relaxing vineyard tours.

Youth sports are a cornerstone of our community, with active Little League Baseball and Boys & Girls Club programs in football, volleyball, and basketball. Come experience Los Fresnos, where tradition meets progress, and every day brings new opportunities

The Los Fresnos Chamber of Commerce is organized to promote and assist businesses in our market area. We are committed to seek and implement all possible ways to promote, announce, and advertise the business interests of our members.

The Chamber also promotes tourism and civic, social, and cultural events to enhance the welfare and prosperity of our community. Email blasts, Facebook, X, Instagram and website posts are a source of business networking, and also inform the community of

520 East Ocean Boulevard

Los Fresnos, Texas 78566

(956)233-4488

http://www.losfresnoschamber.com office@losfresnoschamber.com

2025 FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Rodeo - Fri | Feb 14

Rodeo Parade & Rodeo - Sat | Feb 15

Rodeo - Sun | Feb 16

Easter Festival – Biggest Little Easter

Egg Hunt in Texas - Sat | Apr 19

4th of July Independence Day

Celebration - Thur | July 3

Conjunto Festival - Fri & Sat | Oct 3-4

Halloween Festival - Thur | Oct 30

Xmas Parade & Festival - Sat | Dec 6

2026 FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Rodeo - Fri | Feb 20

Rodeo Parade & Rodeo - Sat | Feb 21

Rodeo - Sun | Feb 22

Easter Festival – Biggest Little Easter

Egg Hunt in Texas - Sat | Apr 4

4th of July Independence Day

Celebration - Fri | July 3

Conjunto Festival - Fri & Sat | Oct 2-3

Halloween Festival - Sat | Oct 31

Xmas Parade & Festival - Sat | Dec 5

The Los Fresnos

City Mayor welcomes the 32nd Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival. We are honored to have this event featuring 15 of the best conjunto bands in the State of Texas for all to enjoy during these two nights of music and safe family entertainment. The City of Los Fresnos welcomes all who want to be a part of this memorable celebration and encourages you to visit our local businesses to enjoy great food and a comfortable stay while discovering what this great city has to offer.

Thank You 2025 Sponsors

Welcome letter by Rogelio T. Nuñez

Welcome to the City of Los Fresnos

A Word from Our Council by Mayor Alejandro Flores

Conjunto Band Lineup

NMCAC Mission Statement

Conjunto Bands with Photos

Narciso Martínez Burial Site San Benito

Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center Since 1991

Los Fresnos Conjunto Halcon by Juan Longoria

The Texas Bucket List Appreciation

Appreciation Message Dr. & Mrs. Ramón de León

Gilberto Reyes - Hohner

Los Fresnos Elementary Conjunto by Santiago Castillo

Lucky Shot Story by Rogelio Nuñez

Flaco Jimenez Story by Dan Margolies

Thank You Volunteers

Space-Time Continuum of the Festival by Dan Margolies - 40th Welcome to Los Fresnos

32nd Annual Conjunto Festival

Publication layout, production, and development of posters and flyers by:

Los Fresnos News 705 W Ocean Blvd. (Hwy 100), Suite B-2 Los Fresnos, TX. 78566 Ph: (956) 233-9928

32nd

Annual

Conjunto Festival

OCTOBER 3-4, 2025

$10 per day

Memorial Park | 900 N. Arroyo Blvd. | Los Fresnos

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3 | Gate Opens at 3:00 P.M.

5:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

9:30 p.m.

10:30 p.m.

Joe Castillo y Los Allstarz

Bobby Salinas y Los Mas Bravos Del Valle

Boni Mauricio y Los Máximos

Epi Martinez & Friends

Flavio Longoria y Su Conjunto

Ricky Naranjo y Los Gamblers

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4 | Gate Opens at 2:00 P.M.

4:15 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

9:00 p.m.

10:00 p.m.

11:00 p.m.

Los Fresnos High School / Elementary Conjuntos

Javier Solís y Los Unikoz

Los Arcos Hermanos Peña

Elijah Ezequiel y Los Conjunto Addictz

Los Monarcas

Mambito y Los Champs

Ruben De La Cruz y Su Conjunto

Los Tejano Boys

No outside food, drinks, or coolers permitted. Lawn chairs are allowed.

Wishing you safe travels!

Thank you for joining us!

We look forward to seeing you again in 2026!

Continuing with the CENTER’S MISSION Conjunto Festival

The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center is an organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion and development of the rich cultural heritage of the Mexican American community which includes visual arts, music, theater, dance and literary works.

Narciso Martinez was born on October 29, 1911 in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico and lived most of his life in La Paloma, Texas, passing away on June 5, 1992.

The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center was named in his honor as the result of his philosophy of being a proud man of Mexican ancestry and working class origins, a man of the people who over the years gave of himself and his musical talents so that others could enjoy his contributions: a man who was willing to share his rich musical and Texas-Mexcian border experience.

32nd Annual Conjunto Festival

FEATURED ARTISTS

Joe Castillo y Los Allstarz

FRIDAY | October 3 | 5:30 pm

Bobby Salinas y Los Más Bravos Del Valle

FRIDAY | October 3 | 6:30 pm

Boni Mauricio y Los Máximos

FRIDAY | October 3 | 7:30 pm

Epi Martinez and Friends

FRIDAY | October 3 | 8:30 pm

Flavio Longoria y Su Conjunto

FRIDAY | October 3 | 9:30 pm

Ricky Naranjo y Los Gamblers

FRIDAY | October 3 | 10:30 pm

Los Fresnos High School / Elementary Conjuntos

SATURDAY | October 4 | 4 / 4:15 pm

Javier Solís y Los Unikoz

SATURDAY | October 4 | 5:00 pm

Los Arcos Hermanos Peña

SATURDAY | October 4 | 6:00 pm

Elijah Ezequiel y Los Conjunto Addictz

SATURDAY | October 4 | 7:00 pm

Los Monarcas

SATURDAY | October 4 | 8:00 pm

Mambito y Los Champs

SATURDAY | October 4 | 9:00 pm

Ruben De La Cruz y Su Conjunto

SATURDAY | October 4 | 10:00 pm

Los Tejano Boys

SATURDAY | October 4 | 11:00 pm

Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center

Since October 29, 1991

The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center is an organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and development of the rich cultural heritage of the Mexican American community. This heritage includes visual arts, music, theater, dance, and literary works.

Narciso Martinez was born on October 29, 1911, in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. He lived most of his life in La Paloma, Texas. Ethnomusicologists, specializing in Mexican-American music, considered him to be the Father of Texas Mexican conjunto.

In 1935, he teamed with bajo sexto player Santiago Almeida in what was to begin a highly fruitful collaboration leading to the establishment of the accordion and bajo sexto as the basic constituents in the then embryonic conjunto style. In 1935, Narciso and Santiago made musical history with the recordings of the polka “La Chicharronera”

and the schottische “El Tronconal” for the Bluebird record label. Narciso Martinez was on his way to becoming the most prolific and popular accordion player. He was

given the epithet of “El Huracan del Valle” as recognition on the part of the people that he was, indeed, a pathfinder (Pena, Manuel, The Texas Mexican Conjunto: History of a Working Class Music, U.T. Press, 1985).

Narciso Martinez played the accordion for 64 years until his death of June 5, 1992. He represents a major historical actor, not only for the Rio Grande Valley but for the rest of the country. Narciso recorded through 1991. In 1982, Don Narciso Martinez was inducted into the Conjunto Hall of Fame in San Antonio, Texas. In 1983, he received the National Heritage Award from the National Endowment of the Humanities in Washington, D.C. We are honored and privileged to name the center for Don Narciso Martinez. He captured the essence of the philosophy of our center being a proud man of Mexican ancestry and working class origins; a man of the people who over the years gave of himself and his musical talents so that others could enjoy his contributions, a man who was willing to share his rich musical and Texas-Mexican border experience.

Los Fresnos High School’s Conjunto Halcón was founded by Juan Longoria, Jr. in 2012 at Los Fresnos High School in Los Fresnos, Texas. Conjunto Halcón has grown to become one of the largest and most acclaimed conjunto programs in the state of Texas. Under Mr. Longoria’s direction, Conjunto Halcón has performed at various showcase events throughout Texas and has been recognized by various organizations including Texas Folklife, the South Texas Conjunto Association, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, and the Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival for its success.

This program was designed to provide an opportunity for students to learn Conjunto music, a traditional folk music from the Texas-Mexico border region. This genre of music is traditionally passed down through generations of family and community members, however through this program it is offered to students for fine arts credits at Los Fresnos High School. Through the conjunto program, students are encouraged to embrace their cultural heritage and traditions through music and are often encouraged to learn multiple musical instruments. Students are taught various skills that prepare them for professional settings including public speaking, stage presence, showmanship, sportsmanship, respect, goal setting, comradery, and teamwork.

In May 2017, the Texas Senate in Senate Resolution No. 670 recognized Conjunto Halcón and its director Juan Longoria, Jr. for keeping cultural traditions like conjunto music alive in Texas. Conjunto Halcón also competed successfully at a Texas-wide high school conjunto competition held annually in April by “La Cultura Vive en Brownsville,” receiving multiple 1st place awards in beginner, intermediate, and varsity categories as well as countless individual musicianship awards for accordion, bajo-sexto, bass, drums, and vocals.

The conjunto program has countless performances throughout the school year including the Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival, the City of Brownsville Sombrero Festival, the Los Fresnos Rodeo, the San Antonio Tejano Conjunto Festival, and many other community events. Conjunto Halcón students have been fortunate enough to have had master workshop classes with grammy-nominated and awardwinning musicians such as Elida Reyna, Jaime y Los Chamacos, the Alex Miexner Band and Don Juan Villarreal y Los Cachorros. The conjunto program has been featured in the Texas Monthly magazine, Texas Highways Magazine, National Public Radio and appeared on the popular YouTube show “Jueves con Cadena,” in a professional live studio recording and workshop in Houston, TX. The conjunto program has been recognized as “The Role Model of High School Conjunto Music” by Mr. Juan Tejada, the founder of the San Antonio Tejano Conjunto Festival. 2024-2025 was an exceptional school year for Conjunto Halcón. Multiple Conjunto Halcón students advanced to the semi-finals in the Texas Folklife Big Squeeze statewide accordion contest. Conjunto Halcón was recognized second place award winners in a national high school conjunto/regional Mexican virtual music competition hosted by KHS America Alianza Académica and won 1st place in the Texas Best High School Conjunto Competition hosted by La Cultura Vive en Brownsville. Conjunto Halcón continues to have an impact in the community and state. The students are so proud to continue performing the rich musical tradition of conjunto music.

n behalf of The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center, my wife and I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the City of Los Fresnos, the Community Development Corporation, and the Chamber of Commerce for hosting, once again, our 32nd Annual Conjunto Festival.

We look forward to continuing to see our supportive conjunto fans from far and near. We invite all the residents of the city of Los Fresnos and the surrounding cities and townships to be a part of this memorable and exciting celebration of music indigenous to our communities.

For those who have not had an opportunity to visit a conjunto festival, we encourage you to do so, this year. Best wishes for a safe and healthy rest of the year and as we move forward into 2026!

Sincerely with warmest regards, Dr. Ramón de León (Board Chair) & Mrs. Yolanda de León

The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center

No solo hacemos acordeones, le damos voz a toda una cultura. Detrás de cada nota hay una historia. Un legado. Para los hombres, mujeres y niños que convierten los botones y el fuelle en expresiones de amor, alegría, lucha y orgullo.” (Gilberto Reyes)

This quote from Gilberto Reyes pretty much sums up the spirit of the work that he brings to the world of Texas Mexican Conjunto music.

As the Brand Manager for HOHNER, Gilbert manages operations related to product development, marketing, channel distribution, and artist relations. With his professional background focused on the U.S. Latino market, with ongoing support for partners throughout Latin America he has spent 15 years leading the HOHNER brand, as part of over thirty years of experience in the Latino music industry. During his career, he has collaborated with artists across various genres, including Regional Mexican, TexMex, Country, and Americana. This experience has expanded his knowledge of the market and products. In addition to his role at HOHNER. He serves

on the advisory board of the Arhoolie Foundation, a nonprofit organization devoted to documenting, preserving, and celebrating roots music and its creators. The foundation manages the Frontera Collection, recognized as the world’s largest archive of Mexican and Mexican American music. Promoting and preserving cultural heritage is a central aspect of his work in the music industry.

The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center extends a warm and heartfelt thank you for Gilberto’s support of our Conjunto Festival. Gilberto, muchas gracias.

Los Fresnos Elementary Conjunto: Cultivating the Future of Conjunto Music

The Los Fresnos Elementary Conjunto (LFE Conjunto) continues to serve as a remarkable example of how young students can engage with, preserve, and celebrate the rich tradition of conjunto music. Now entering another exciting year, the group is composed of dedicated 4th and 5th graders, ages 9 to 10, who demonstrate exceptional musical growth and enthusiasm. Despite limited practice time, these young musicians consistently impress audiences with their skill and passion. While high school conjunto programs are steadily growing, elementary-level groups remain rare, making LFE Conjunto a truly special and inspiring part of the conjunto community.

Led by accomplished muscian, producer, author and dedicated educator Mr. Santiago Castillo, the Los Fresnos Elementary Conjunto has gained recognition as a standout youth ensemble. At LFE, students receive a strong foundation in music through their general music classroom, where they learn the fundamentals of music literacy and performance. They are also offered opportunities to pursue higher music education through specialized classes in accordion, ukulele, choir, guitar, and percussion. Most students enter the conjunto program with no prior musical experience, having only received instruction through their general music classes, yet in just a few months, they are able to play traditional conjunto instruments such as the diatonic accordion, bajo quinto, bass, and drums. Their rapid progress is a testament to their dedication and to Mr. Castillo’s engaging, hands-on teaching style, which makes conjunto music both accessible and inspiring for young learners.

The Los Fresnos Elementary Conjunto continues to earn widespread recognition across South Texas for its exceptional performances and dedication to preserving conjunto music. This talented group has been featured at several major events, including a live performance on the Hermes Music Float during the 2024 McAllen Holiday Parade, the largest parade in South Texas, and a spotlight performance on one of the biggest stages at Brownsville’s 2025 Sombrero Festival. They were honored to perform at the Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival in October 2024 in their hometown of Los Fresnos, TX, a celebration of the genre’s deep roots, and in May proudly took the stage at the 2025 Tejano Conjunto Festival in San Antonio, TX. In addition to these prestigious invitations, the group received a superior rating at the “La Cultura Vive” Texas Best Conjunto Competition, further affirming their musical excellence and the strong foundation built under the guidance of their director.

For over 15 years, Mr. Santiago Castillo has been a leader in conjunto education, introducing young students to the tradition and keeping the music alive for future generations. Castillo is currently pursuing a master’s degree in music education and recently published the first edition of his Quick and Easy Accordion Book, a beginner-friendly teaching guide developed from years of experience working with new accordion students. His success in teaching elementary-aged musicians has earned him widespread respect in the conjunto community. Through his passion and dedication, Mr. Castillo continues to shape young lives and inspire the next generation of conjunto musicians.

With each performance, the Los Fresnos Elementary Conjunto is not just making music, they’re making history, ensuring that the heart and soul of conjunto music will continue to thrive for generations to come.

We know that our town’s heart beats to the rhythm of community- and nothing brings us together quite like musica conjunto. Every year our Conjunto Festival brings out a large crowd, full of fun, music and unmistakable energy. This year we are once again honored to be part of the 2025 Conjunto Festival, a celebration of our shared traditions and pride we all feel for our small-town roots. Just like conjunto blends music into something special, your local State Farm office blends experience, care and personal service to help protect what matters most.

So while you’re here, enjoy the music, and stop by and say hello. We’d love to meet you and share a smile.

Your State Farm Agent David Armendariz

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

The Lucky Shot Saved My Life

by Rogelio T. Nunez

The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts center was founded on October 29, 1991... 34 years ago. It’s opening was a major cultural moment in San Benito, Texas, and the Rio Grande Valley. Narciso Martinez performed for two hours in an institution that was named in his honor. He is recognized as the Father of Texas Mexican Conjunto Music. He lived in La Paloma, Texas, a small rural community, eight miles outside San Benito, Texas. name and music became very much a part of the musical history of San Benito, Texas. After World War II, La Villita Dance Hall opened in San Benito, Texas and begin showcasing the early pioneers of conjunto music. It soon became one of the premiere conjunto dance halls with conjunto enthusiasts from throughout the RGV and beyond in attendance. Fernando Sanchez, the owner of La Villita, coined the phrase “El Que No Conoce La Villita, No Conoce San Benito. Through word of mouth word-of-mouth news travelled about the greatness of La Villita.

While I do not know of any official designation (City of San Benito or a Historical Marker), La Villita and San Benito have been recognized as the birth of Conjunto or the Home of Conjunto. By the 1980’s La Villita came to a close and pretty much began to gather dust. It was not until in 2001, and after a major cleaning, did La Villita open for the evening premier of filmmaker Hector Galan’s “Songs of the Homeland”. It was in 2005 that la Villita Dance Hall opened its doors to the world of conjunto music on Saturday nights.

Unfortunately, in the summer of 2023 La Villita Dance Hall closed its doors and remains closed. I live 2 blocks away from La Villita and was a frequent patron on Saturday nights. When the word spread that La Villita closed, I began getting calls from many of the people who had become patrons of the dance hall. There was a sense of panic, why did it close, will it open again, is there anything that can be done to open it up again? I had no answers, but I could feel the anxiety of the people, for I too was going through that same anxiety. What was I going do Saturday nights, sit in my back yard, barbecue, and listen to recorded music? I did that, but I missed the conversations with the people who frequented La Villita. I missed hearing live conjunto music. I also missed the cold beer.

While I kept getting calls or running into people at HEB asking me as to whether La Villita would open, another conjunto venue the Lucky Shot opened in San Benito, Texas, in the beginning of 2023. While it opened as a billiard place, owner Hector Pena and his wife Mari, conjunto enthusiasts, begin presenting small conjunto gigs. Eventually the billiard tables were moved out, a stage and dance floor were built, and a sound system were installed. By the summer of 2023, the Lucky Shot was up and running with Saturday night conjunto dances.

The Lucky Shot saved my life. Conjunto music, like other Chicano arts forms are a major part of my spiritual being. The Lucky Shot did not capture all the La Villita fan base, but it did capture some; on the other hand, new conjunto enthusiasts are now forming the fan base. conjuntos have a place to perform. I now have a place to go to listen to live Conjunto music, have great conversations, and still enjoy the cold beer.

I help Hector and Mari post the upcoming dances on the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center Facebook page. I get weekly calls and Facebook posts as to who will be playing on Saturday night. I look forward to Saturday nights. The Lucky Shot is working hard to survive the economics of a business, e.g., rent, electricity, water, internet, licenses, city inspections, beer license, and so forth. Two years and three months later the Lucky Shot is staying alive. It does not have the history of La Villita Dance Hall, but in its infancy, it is up to us to attend live music venues and support the Conjunto industry. It is great to see people dancing to the polkas, rancheras, shotisis, redovas, cumbias, huapangos, and boleros. After all, conjunto music is dance music. En fin, La Cultura Cura!

Goodbye, Flaco

Dan Margolies

Conjunto is very centrally grounded in community — and there was no one who will dominate the corazón of the conjunto community more than Flaco. Even in a world where conjunto innovators and living legends are known by a single name (Narciso, Valerio, Toby, Mingo, Rabbit, and Max) Flaco stood out as the embodiment of all the very best of the music and its soul here in San Antonio and around the world.

It seems impossible to characterize in these few words Flaco’s full impact because, simply put, he transformed American music itself. We all know the trajectory of his remarkable life in articles and obits, and recall his musical innovation and incredible success and fame. He honored his singular family legacy here in San Antonio the best ways possible by perfecting it with his father and so many others. For me personally, his genius is clearest in the indelible music he made with Fred Ojeda, but honestly it’s impossible to choose the best. And we don’t have to, there is so much.

Flaco took it much further, of course, reimagining conjunto for his own time in a way which changed the whole vibe of our nation’s music. Who else has done that? He innovated across genres while never losing his grasp of tradition. That’s why everybody you can think of wanted to play with him and to get a taste of his magic. You know the list, it’s pretty amazing: Ry Cooder, Doug Sahm, Freddy Fender, Augie Meyers, Dwight Yoakum, Emmylou Harris, the Rolling Stones, Dr. John. Way too long a list to detail here. And of course he did it with style and immense cool. No way to quantify that.

Lots of people here can tell you many more stories of playing music with Flaco in quieter moments away from Grammys and big stages. For me, one of the most memorable nights was with only Flaco and his brother Santiago, Jr. while Flaco played one obscure traditional Swiss polka after the other all night until I dropped the two of them off at Carnitas Uruapan at 6 in the morning. Flaco absorbed traditions everywhere he travelled and music poured out of him.

Now with his passing we are forced to contemplate a life without Flaco and to consider his immense legacy in San Antonio especially. It’s right there, we can feel it in the love that followed him around anytime he played and in the massive outpouring of grief with his passing. We witness it in the success conjunto has become in no small part because of his unique ability to make it felt as much as heard. He directed ears and hearts toward Texas and toward his hometown which shaped him, treasured him, and watched him take over the world. And since no one will never forget him he will never truly be gone.

The late, Hall of Fame Award-Winning Songwriter, Tere Villarreal (1937-2023) inspired many, especially women. Leaving behind well over 200 compositions, many of her songs are “boleros”— considered bittersweet, betrayed, and most of them with a romantic twist. To date she has 30 recordings by various Tejano/Conjunto/Regional Mexican Artists.

To name a few:

“Primero Se Seca El Mar” - Los Dos Gilbertos

“Yo Se Que Volveras” - Los Donneños de Ramiro Cavazos

“Maldita Tristeza” - Ruben Vela Jr. y Los Muchachos

“Devuelveme La Vida” - Rubén De La Cruz y Su Conjunto

“Si Te Vas” - Ruben De La Cruz y Su Conjunto con Ruben Garza

“Amor Sincero” - Ruben De La Cruz y Su Conjunto con Ruben Garza

“Me Enamore de Ti” - Los Dos Del Norte de Beto Espinoza

“Ando de Rienda Suelta” - Los Dos Del Norte de Beto Espinoza

“Donde Andaras” - “De Ti No Queda Nada” Juan Antonio el Domador

“No Me Digas Que No” (First release 1976) - Laura Mariscal, YouTube

“Si Tu Me Quisieras” - Ruben Garza y La Nueva Era

“Yo No Puedo Olvidarte” - Ruben Garza y La Nueva Era

Thank you to all who continue to support Tere’s music.

Space-Time Continuum of the Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival

Dan Margolies

The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts center was founded on October 29, 1991... 34 years ago. It’s opening was a major cultural moment in San Benito, Texas, and the Rio Grande Valley. Narciso Martinez performed for two hours in an institution that was named in his honor. He is recognized as the Father of Texas Mexican Conjunto Music. He lived in La Paloma, Texas, a small rural community, eight miles outside San Benito, Texas. name and music became very much a part of the musical history of San Benito, Texas. After World War II, La Villita Dance Hall opened in San Benito, Texas and begin showcasing the early pioneers of conjunto music. It soon became one of the premiere conjunto dance halls with conjunto enthusiasts from throughout the RGV and beyond in attendance. Fernando Sanchez, the owner of La Villita, coined the phrase “El Que No Conoce La Villita, No Conoce San Benito. Through word of mouth word-of-mouth news travelled about the greatness of La Villita. While I do not know of any official designation (City of San Benito or a Historical Marker), La Villita and San Benito have been recognized as the birth of Conjunto or the Home of Conjunto. By the 1980’s La Villita came to a close and pretty much began to gather dust. It was not until in 2001, and after a major cleaning, did La Villita open for the evening premier of filmmaker Hector Galan’s “Songs of the Homeland”. It was in 2005 that la Villita Dance Hall opened its doors to the world of conjunto music on Saturday nights. Unfortunately, in the summer of 2023 La Villita Dance Hall closed its doors and remains closed. I live 2 blocks away from La Villita and was a frequent patron on Saturday nights. When the word spread that La Villita closed, I began getting calls from many of the people who had become patrons of the dance hall. There was a sense of panic, why did it close, will it open again, is there anything that can be done to open it up again? I had no answers, but I could feel the anxiety of the people, for I too was going through that

same anxiety. What was I going do Saturday nights, sit in my back yard, barbecue, and listen to recorded music? I did that, but I missed the conversations with the people who frequented La Villita. I missed hearing live conjunto music. I also missed the cold beer.

While I kept getting calls or running into people at HEB asking me as to whether La Villita would open, another conjunto venue the Lucky Shot opened in San Benito, Texas, in the beginning of 2023. While it opened as a billiard place, owner Hector Pena and his wife Mari, conjunto enthusiasts, begin presenting small conjunto gigs. Eventually the billiard tables were moved out, a stage and dance floor were built, and a sound system were installed. By the summer of 2023, the Lucky Shot was up and running with Saturday night conjunto dances.

The Lucky Shot saved my life. Conjunto music, like other Chicano arts forms are a major part of my spiritual being. The Lucky Shot did not capture all the La Villita fan base, but it did capture some; on the other hand, new conjunto enthusiasts are now forming the fan base. conjuntos have a place to perform. I now have a place to go to listen to live Conjunto music, have great conversations, and still enjoy the cold beer.

I help Hector and Mari post the upcoming dances on the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center Facebook page. I get weekly calls and Facebook posts as to who will be playing on Saturday night. I look forward to Saturday nights. The Lucky Shot is working hard to survive the economics of a business, e.g., rent, electricity, water, internet, licenses, city inspections, beer license, and so forth. Two years and three months later the Lucky Shot is staying alive. It does not have the history of La Villita Dance Hall, but in its infancy, it is up to us to attend live music venues and support the Conjunto industry. It is great to see people dancing to the polkas, rancheras, shotisis, redovas, cumbias, huapangos, and boleros. After all, conjunto music is dance music. En fin, La Cultura Cura!

Supporting Conjunto Music!

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