Tejano Conjunto Festival 2001

En San Antonio

David Champion was instrumental in organizing the South, Texas Conjunto Festival which was recorded live in order to produce the CD"Taquachito Nights-Conjunto Music from South Texas" for the Smithsonian Institute. David also served as production consultant for the one hour documentary entitled: "Accordion Dreams" which was shot in South Texas and features an introspective look at conjunto music from its development and origins to its future. This film was produced by Hector Galan the same producer of "Songs of the Homeland". The film will be shown nationally on PBS later this year. Juan Tejeda and Avelardo Valdez just published an extremely important book called "Puro Conjunto" that documents the first seventeen years of the Tejano Conjunto Festival 1982-1998. Included in this book are essays by prominent scholars, articles by journalist and music critics, and interviews with legendary performers, along with autobiographical accounts, short stories, and poetry. This book is a must for all who are interested in the history of conjunto." Click here for more info.

In honor of their legendary father Valerio Longoria, Los Longoria continue in their father's conjunto tradition. Valerio Longoria, Jr. (bajo sexto), Flavio Longoria ( accordion), Valerio Longoria, Jr.(drums), and Paul Sanchez (bass). Los Longoria performed for the opening night ceremonies at the Guadalupe Theater.

 

Conjunto Music Hall of Fame Inductees

Oscar Hernandez and Guadalupe F. Enriquez

David Champion accepted the award for Oscar Hernadez since Mr. Hernandez was not present for the ceremonies.

Oscar Hernadez was born in Pharr, Texas and has been playing the accordion since the age of eleven. By the age of 13 he had formed his first conjunto, Oscar Hernandez y su Conjunto, and was recording at the age of 16. Hernandez is perhaps best know for introducing the chromatic accordion to conjunto music while he was a member of the legendary Conjunto Bernal as the second accordionist to Paulino Bernal. After Bernal left the conjunto, Hernandez became the lead accordionist. His tenure with Conjunto Bernal is popularly known as "La Segunda Epoca del Conjunto Bernal." Today Oscar has a group called Oscar Hernandez and the Tuff Band. He also teaches accordion technique and holds accordion workshops throughout the Southeast Texas region.

Guadalupe F. Enriquez' love for music began at the age of 12 when he was shown a few chords on the guitar by two friends. Enriquez acknowledges Martin Macias, the legendary maker of bajo sextos, as one of his greatest influences. It was from Macias that Lupe got his first bajo sexto, purchased by his father for only $65.00. Throughout his career over last 45 years, he has played with many groups such as Lupe Saenz, Joe Zuniga, Los Pavo Reales, Armando Faz, Los Aguilares, Mexican Tequila, Chuco Moreno, Nick Villareal, Bene Medina, Los Varios, Los Pioneers, and Los Golpes Del Norte. He as recorded with labels such as Lira, Bego, Sombrero, DLB, and many others.

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