Rancho Alegre

Our trip to the valley was remarkable, no question. And it was the starting point for everything that has happened so far in 2012, especially our festival.

Our interview with Gilberto Perez was just as rich in conjunto history as we imagined it would be. But we didn’t expect him to have a conjunto museum behind his house…

Back in the 80s, Jesse y Beto Duran y Los Aguilillas had a massive hit with El Soltero Apasionado, a waltz that took them all over Texas and was frequently requested (and graciously played) multiple times per show. With various rhythm sections, Jesse and Beto played together for 45 years before retiring 7 years ago due to health issues.

During our interview tour of the Valley in October, we stopped in Alice, Texas, and talked with Ruben Rivera, a former member of Ruben Naranjo y Los Gamblers and Los Nobles. He now brings his beautiful voice to his own conjunto, Ruben Rivera y R.A., and frequently collaborates with Jody Farias.

Long known for their popurris, Los Aguilares have enjoyed great success over their 50 year career in music. With brothers Genaro on vocals and bass, and Emilio on accordion, the group became a fan favorite and, like other hard-working conjuntos, toured extensively around Texas and the rest of the country.

Marcos Orozco is not just a pretty face in a pair of tight-fitting Wranglers. The singer-songwriter-producer-arranger has lent his signature romantic voice to some of Tejano music’s greatest hits.