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| Tejano music in Northern California In Northern California where Banda music reigns king in the state's burgeoning Hispanic population, an almost forgotten form of Mexican music is making a comeback, thanks in part to the efforts of a non profit group calling themselves Bay Area Tejanos. During the 40's, 50's, and 60's, Tejano music was very popular in the Western United States. The music is a blend of polka, pop, country, and blues, which dates back to the first Mexican Americans in the Rio Grande region of Southern Texas. As the music continued to gain converts, it was adopted by Chicanos everywhere. With the large influx of Mexican Nationals arriving in California and beyond, they brought their style of music with them. It eventually overshadowed Tejano music. As Tejanos and Chicanos became more mainstream, the fan base for Tejano music began to decline. A reversal of that trend is becoming more evident as Baby Boomers wanting to reconnect with their childhood roots and music are reaching out. And that is where Bay Area Tejanos comes in. Formed in Septemeber 2004, Bay Area Tejanos is a non profit orgainization dedicated to preserving Tejano music and culture. Based in San Jose, California, and with a core of volunteers, Bay Area Tejanos has been the driving force behind a movement that brings top Tejano music stars to the San Francisco Bay Area on a regular basis. The dances and concerts are gaining in popularity. Others are also taking notice because of the music's soulful vocals and dancability. According to Bay Area Tejano's volunteer webmaster Noe Longoria, "The internet has had a positive affect in helping unit Tejano music lovers everywhere. Local promoters have wanted to bring the latest Tejano acts to California, but advertising is expensive. The Internet has changed all that." The group turns a modest profit. All net proceeds are returned to the community in the form of scholarships and grants. The group also plans to start Tejano dance and button accordeon music classes as part of it's cultural arts program. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |