Patrick Candelaria

Patrick Candelaria’s 17-year successful ride through his comedy career has been filled with laughter all the way. He has traveled over half a million miles around the world creating an adventure that includes a dozen overseas comedy tours for the United States military, over a hundred college, corporate and benefit performances, and countless comedy club appearances.

Audiences literally hold their sides and wipe away tears of laughter when Patrick gets on a roll. His story-telling style mixed liberally with quick one-liners includes topics everyone can relate to. George Lopez said Patrick is “Pound for pound, one of the funniest comics out there,” and Tommy Chong called Patrick, “A very funny Mexican”. When you see his act, you’ll see why.

Patrick’s act relates to all audiences. His start in showbiz was as a juggler and magician at an amusement park in his home town of El Paso, TX. His comedy club act has brought him to The Strip in Las Vegas where he makes an annual appearance at The Riviera Comedy Club among other clubs all over the country. His college routine has had students in New York, Florida, Texas and other states cheering at his observations and wit. Candelaria makes most of his appearances for corporations and companies who want to add something special and original to their meetings or events. Colleagues are amazed at how he can get non-stop laughs from an audience without ever going past a PG rating.

Patrick is most proud of his twelve overseas tours in the past ten years that have put him in front of thousands of Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen of the United States Military. He has entertained Officer’s Clubs in Korea and Japan, inside a C-130 hangar in Germany, and did a show inside a bunker in Iraq. He helped ring in a New Year in Sarajevo at a NATO base, spent Christmas in Kosovo and Fourth of July in Tikrit.

Patrick Has released Two full-length comedy CDs, “World’s Largest Ceiling Fan” and “Operation: Big Slow Target” available online or following one of his shows.

Patrick’s humor alone is hilariously over-the-top but for many events he can include a juggling and magic aspect of his routine that incorporates volunteers from the audience and keeps the laughs rolling.

Patrick Candelaria has his home in El Paso, Texas but lives conveniently close to the airport.

Corporate Clients
Mack Energy Golf Tournament, Artesia, NM:2001
Socorro Independent School District, School district Celebration and Paraprofessional Conferences, El Paso:2001
University of Phoenix Counselors Convention, El Paso Country Club
El Paso Rehabilitation Center Employee Workshop:2001
Texas Department of Transportation United Way Kick-off Campaign, El Paso:2001
U.S. Department of Defense, Five overseas tours including Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Okinawa, Korea: 1997-2000
AT&T Employees “Day Off”, Coronado Country Club: 2000
Southwest Conbenience Stores (7-11s) Annual Meetings, El Paso and Odessa, Texas:1998-2000
KPMG Annual Gala, El Paso Country Club: 2000
Hooper Volunteer Fire Dept., Hooper Nebraska:2000
Reach For a Star Fundraiser, El Paso: 1999
Kirkland Federal Credit Union, Albuquerque: 1999
Ace Exterminators Christmas Party, Albuquerque:1999
Providence-Sierra Hospital, Employee Appreciation Month, Ten performances, El Paso: 1999
Dairy Queen of Texas, Regional Meeting, Ruidoso, NM:1999
Artesia, New Mexico Country Club: 1998-2001
Farmer’s Insurance Annual Christmas Dinner, Santa Teresa, New Mexico: 1997
Red Ribbon Week, Ysleta Independent School District: 1997
El Paso Junior League, Midnight Basketball guest speaker: 1997
AHEAD (Association of Hispanic Educators And Doctors) Scholarship Benefit, Las Cruces, New Mexico: 1997

Recent Corporate Events
Texas Department of Transportation, Van Horn, TX 2006
Animal Rescue League, El Paso, 2006
Del Norte Lion’s Club, El Paso, 2005-06
Big Brothers-Big Sisters, El Paso, 2005
Tony Lama Corp., El Paso, 2005
Vista Hills Country Club, El Paso, 2005
El Paso Special Olympics, 2004-05
Laughs For Literacy, El Paso Coliseum, 2005

Has Performed With
GEORGE LOPEZ, DARRYL HAMMOND, TOMMY CHONG, SHERMAN HEMSLEY, Tommy Davidson, Willie Barcena, Kevin Pollack, Paul Rodriguez, Judy Tenuta, Paulie Shore, Ronnie Bullard, Todd Yohn, Taylor Mason, John Morgan, Gary Muledeer, Chris Fonseca, Gabriel Iglesias, Todd Yohn, Jeff Dunham, Michael Finney

Performances
Riviera Comedy Club (Las Vegas)
The Laff Spot (Houston)
The Ice House (Pasadena, CA)
Bart Reed’s Comic Strip (El Paso, Tx.)
Comedy Showcase (Houston)
River Center Comedy Club (San Antonio, TX.)
Cap City Comedy Club (Austin, TX.)
The IMPROVisation (Hollywood, CA. and Tempe, AZ.)
Zanie’s (Chicago, IL.)
The Laugh Factory (Hollywood, CA.)
Loonees (Colorado Springs, CO.)
Laffs (Albuquerque, NM. and Tucson, AZ.)
Amarillo Comedy Club (guess where)
Jokers (Oklahoma City and Omaha, NE.)
Tulsa Comedy Club (Tulsa, OK {where else?})
Hyena’s (Fort Worth and Arlington, TX.)
The Loony Bin (Memphis, TN. and Wichita, KS.)
Stanford’s (Kansas City, MO. and Little Rock, AR.)

Television
“Latino Laugh Festival”, SITV Network, 2004
“Loco Comedy Jam” Telemundo 2003
Que Loco! Galavision, 1999, 2000, 2001.

Other Performances
Headlined ten tours overseas for Department of Defense including Iraq, Bosnia, Macedonia, Croatia, Japan and Korea: 1997-2005
Named Texas’ Top Latino Comic by HISPANIC magazine, August, 1997.
Performs for dozens of Colleges and Corporate shows, featuring a one-man one-hour comedy act with juggling and magic.
Participated in the 1997 Latino Laugh Olympics at The IMPROVisation in Hollywood, CA.
Recently released a full length comedy CD entitled “Patrick Candelaria: The World’s Largest Ceiling Fan”
Colleges and Universities
The University of Texas at El Paso
University Nebraska at Lincoln
Eastern Illinois University
New Mexico Technical University
Laredo Junior College
University of Texas-Pan American
Eastern New Mexico Junior College
Texas A&M-Kingsville
West Texas A&M-Canyon
Shreiner College-Keyyville, Texas
El Paso Community College
Wabonsee Community College-Aurora, Illinois

“Patrick’s quick natural wit, mixed with a story-telling style has audiences wiping away tears of laughter. His fifteen years’ experience on comedy stages, as well as professional theater and street performer (juggler/magician), make him at home at any venue.

Catch his hilarious act as he is sure to be the next rising star of comedy”

CLICK HERE TO REQUEST BOOKING INFORMATION

Margarita Canela

La historia de Margarita Canela puede sonar igual a la de muchos que buscan ganarse un lugar en la música: una chica bella y talentosa que desde pequeña ha estado en contacto con los ritmos que la inspiran para cantar y bailar. Sin embargo, basta escuchar una de sus canciones, estar presente en uno de sus conciertos y ver su gran desenvolvimiento sobre el escenario, para darse cuenta que, como las Margaritas para el campo, esta Margarita Canela ha llegado a la música para darle colorido, alegría y mucho sabor.

Con cuatro discos editados, un quinto por llegar, y con el reconocimiento del público y la crítica dentro de los géneros Norteño, Tejano, Cumbia, Tex-Mex y Cumbia-Norteña, esta Margarita Canela ha ido deshojando éxitos y grandes logros desde su debut profesional en 1998 hasta la fecha.

Nacida en Harlingen, Texas, Margarita Canela cuenta con toda la herencia de la música popular mexicana, que va desde lo ranchero hasta lo norteño, gracias a sus raíces familiares, que ha ido afianzando a lo largo de su vida con cada visita al hermoso estado de San Luis Potosí, donde radica sus familia maternal.
Su familia paternal es del “Majico Valle” en San Benito, TX

“Mi familia por el lado de mi mama está en San Luís Potosí, allá tengo mis abuelitos y bisabuelitos, y tíos y tías. Cada año vamos de visita, es como nuestra segunda casa”, cuenta orgullosa.

Y es precisamente este arraigo de las tradiciones mexicanas lo que lleva a Margarita Canela a tener su primer contacto con la música del mariachi a la edad de 15 años, cuando pasa a formar parte de una agrupación de este género. Esto lo va combinando con participaciones en el coro de la iglesia o con actividades en obras de la escuela, siempre relacionadas con la música.

Cantantes como Ángeles Ochoa y Vicente Fernández son la inspiración y el ejemplo a seguir de Margarita Canela en el ámbito de la música ranchera, aunque como todo adolescente también es seguidora de la música moderna, especialmente de cantantes como Madonna y Gloria Estefan.

Sin embargo, se pueden mencionar dos grandes influencias en Margarita Canela. Una es su tío Freddy Fender, un reconocido músico de Country y música Tex Mex, del cual aprende bastante y se empieza a relacionar con todo lo que es el negocio de la música. Por otro lado, la inolvidable Selena también es una gran figura de admiración y respeto.

“Cuando se trata de la música de cumbia tiene que ser Selena, desde pequeña he estado en contacto con su música porque la tocaban en todos lados, en todas las fiestas. Además, yo soy de Corpus Christi, de donde era ella, así que siempre ha sido una de mis influencias más cercanas. Ella es como mi gran ejemplo a seguir”.

Después de experimentar de forma amateur en la música, por fin su gran oportunidad llega en 1998, cuando el prestigiado sello EMI Latin la firma para la grabación de su disco debut, el cuál decidió nombrar como ella misma: Margarita Canela.

En este primer disco se escucha una gran tendencia hacia la música texana, en gran parte por la participación de Jimmy González en la producción, un músico de renombre en ese género.

“Estuvimos mucho tiempo en el estudio. En ese tiempo lo texano estaba muy fuerte, se escuchaba en muchas partes de Estados Unidos, y por eso nos basamos en ese sonido”.

Con canciones como “Escalofrío, “Un engaño Más” y “Decídete”, esta producción debut le vale a Margarita Canela un gran reconocimiento, y prueba de ello son sus primeras nominaciones en los Premios de la Música Tejana, en las categorías de Revelación del Año, Artista Femenina del Año y Mejor Vocalista del Año.

Una vez pasada esa primera gran prueba, y ya con una Margarita Canela más confiada gracias a su experiencia en el estudio de grabación, a los conciertos y a la buena aceptación del disco, en el año 2000 aparece su segundo disco, Nada es Igual, en donde Margarita Canela cuenta con la colaboración y apoyo de Cruz Martínez, que a la postre sería parte del exitoso grupo Kumbia Kings.

En esta segunda producción, Margarita Canela da un giro en su carrera al experimentar con la cumbia, género que supo asimilar muy bien, al igual que sus miles de fans.

“Cruz Martínez se ofreció para hacer la producción de ese disco, y el estilo cambió un poco a cumbia, similar al que tenían los Kumbia Kings cuando iniciaron. La mayoría de las canciones de ese disco son de Cruz Martínez”.

Y si Nada es igual demostró que Margarita Canela no le temía a los nuevos retos, eso se confirmó con su siguiente disco, Leo, con el que se involucró en el exitoso género norteño mexicano.

El nombre del disco proviene del signo zodiacal al que pertenece Margarita Canela, quien nació un 23 de julio. Además, también llevó ese nombre porque, al igual que ocurre con los astros, ese año 2002 experimentó muchos cambios en su vida profesional.

La producción corrió a cargo de Elías González, un personaje originario de Monterrey, Nuevo León, quien llegó a darle a Margarita Canela ese toque norteño que, al igual que con la cumbia, también supo asimilar.

“En ese momento hubo muchos cambios en la disquera EMI Latin. Se fueron el presidente, vicepresidente y llegó nueva gente.

Ya con la experiencia de los géneros norteños y de cumbia en sus anteriores discos, Margarita Canela opta por ir más allá para su siguiente producción, y qué mejor que hacerlo combinando esos ritmos para lograr una excelente fusión de cumbia norteña.

Así, en el 2009 aparece SOLA un disco producido por “Quirri” de Monterrey, con mucho sabor al sonido de Margarita Canela, quien nuevamente obtuvo muy buena respuesta de su público y de la crítica ante esta nueva aventura.

“Este disco es una evolución, porque si comparamos este disco con lo primero de Margarita Canela, es totalmente diferente. Nos enfocamos en lo comercial, en lo que estaba sonando, más norteño, más mexicano, siguiendo con las cumbias, pero más movidas, más norteñas”.

Con esa experiencia de casi diez años a nivel profesional, de grandes logros y de ganas de evolucionar y experimentar, Margarita Canela se prepara para el lanzamiento de lo que será su quinta producción, que verá la luz a fines del 2009, y en la que ya tiene preparadas nuevas sorpresas.

“El disco viene con cumbias gruperas, una ranchera que se llama ‘Cuándo Volverás’; también tenemos una canción estilo duranguense. En este disco no tuvimos miedo para intentar diferentes estilos, es un poco más atrevido”.

Como adelanto, se prepara el lanzamiento del tema “Sola” como el primer sencillo promocional. Margarita Canela le imprime su particular toque grupero, una canción muy llegadora.

En este disco nos basamos mucho en lo que le gusta a la gente, en la reacción de la gente, y esta canción le gustaba mucho a la gente y por eso la grabamos”.

Con este disco, Margarita Canela espera seguir cosechado más triunfos, como hasta ahora lo ha hecho, pero sobre todo ganarse el cariño de la gente, que es su mayor recompensa.

“Mi mayor felicidad en la música es cuando me subo a un escenario y la gente canta mis canciones, es lo máximo, porque quiere decir que todo el trabajo, toda la promoción que hicimos valió la pena, para llegar u hacer un show y que a la gente le guste. Esa es mi razón de trabajar, mi motivación”.

The Message Tour 2010

Legendary Rap/Hip Hop acts, Furious 5, Kurtis Blow, The Sugarhill Gang and Rob Base have put together a memorable Tour package that will get the party started with the Rap/Hip Hop sound that started it all.

Furious 5

The first ever rap group to be inducted into the rock & roll hall of fame!

The story of the Furious 5 Emcees is one of many firsts. These Bronx natives were the first rap artists to win Grammy awards, guest star with R&B artists (Chaka Khan with Melle Mel on “I Feel For You” in 1984), first to inject social commentary into rap, with the genre changing “The Message” in 1982, first to endorse a political candidate with the song “Jesse” in 1984, first to be inducted into the rock & roll hall of fame and the list goes on. That’s just the commercial side, after rap was released on records. Before rap was released on records they were the first to write full rhymes on the beat – unlike the nursery style that many Djs were using at the time.

Sugar Hill Gang – “Rapper’s Delight”

The Sugarhill Gang is known for introducing HipHop to the World with the First Multi- Platinum 12′ Single ” Rappers Delight ” as well as other Platinum Singles : 8th Wonder and Apache !!!!

I said a hip hop the hippie the hippie to the hip hip hop, a you dont stop the rock it to the bang bang boogie say up jumped the boogie to the rhythm of the boogie, the beat now what you hear is not a test I’m rappin to the beat and me, the groove, and my friends are gonna try to move your feet see i am wonder mike and i like to say hello to the black, to the white, the red, and the brown, the purple and yellow but first i gotta bang bang the boogie to the boogie say up jump the boogie to the bang bang boogie let’s rock, you don’t stop rock the riddle that will make your body rock well so far you’ve heard my voice but i brought two friends along and next on the mike is my man hank come on, hank, sing that song

The Sugarhill Gang is an American hip hop group, known mostly for their biggest hit, “Rapper’s Delight”, the first hip hop single recorded to become a Top 40 hit.

Kurtis Blow

One of the founders and creators of recorded rap, stands as an emerging leader in a new generation of rappers with street sense, social criticism, and commercial savvy, a timeless artist and hip hop legend, Kurtis Blow has been instrumental in raising up a generation of MCs, and he will soon carry the torch for hip hop music into new arenas. In 1979, at the age of twenty, Kurtis Blow became the first Rapper to be signed by a major label. Mercury released Christmas Rappin, and it sold over 400,000 copies and it became an annual classic. Its gold followup The Breaks helped ignite a still spreading international Rap Attack. He released 10 Albums over 11 years –

Rob Base

Best-known for his 1988 platinum hip hop classic “It Takes Two” Rob Base along with childhood friend DJ EZ Rock rode their smash hit onto R&B radio stations as well as dance clubs around the world and provided a touchstone for the style known as hiphouse.

Rob Base is one of the most popular rap stars of all time and has fans all over the world. Even though Rob Base has sold millions and millions of records, he is one of the most down to earth cats you will ever meet and that’s why his fans adore him so much.

You can hear this Year’s Oscar Winner “Sandra Bullock” singing ” it takes two ” in the Blockbuster Movie “Proposal”; as well as in the new “Snoop Dogg’s song “I Wanna Rock” !!!!

The Message Tour – Featuring Furious 5, Kurtis Blow, The Sugarhill Gang and Rob Base

Chika

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Chika is a study in stereotypes and contrasts. Since her first steps, thanks to her musically rich Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage, she’s been in love with the rhythms of her parents Caribbean music. Her mother and uncle were both local champion Salsa dancers & Chika herself began performing in neighborhood talent shows as early as the third grade. Her early years were tainted by pain and suffering and she finds music less of a vocation and more of an outlet to release her thoughts and emotions. What might have spelled the end for many young girls was simply a new beginning for the remarkably resilient Chika.

Chika got her first break when she was introduced to Sergio George, and worked with his label, WEA Latina. She then linked up with DLG and toured Japan, Spain, Columbia, Peru, Bolivia, Honduras, and Costa Rica. She helped write, and was featured on, DLGs album “Volvere” as well as wrote and performed on “Sergio George’s live album at Manhattan Center” which featured Gilberto Santa Rosa, Sergio Vargas, and Victor Manuel. After a short lived hiatus Chika continued forward with her career and after appearing on Fragment Crew’s Album “Anything Goes” released under Univision Records she was invited by Grammy Nominated producer, Dj Napoles to be a member of the international duo ChikaMelina. The darling divas encountered much success and Chika embarked on yet another international tour. They toped the Billboard Charts with their first single “No Me Llores” and shot the video for it in Geneva Switzerland.

After much success with collaborative efforts, Chika is now releasing a MixTape presented by Fragment Muzik titled “Pa La Calle” which features her first single “Washington Heights” as well as collaborations with artists like Notch, Daddy Yankee and Fabolous along with the smash remixes of “El Amor” by Tito el Bambino & “Hasta Abajo” by Don Omar. Chika believes that music is an amazing medium in which she can express herself and convert the tears from her past into a beautiful career. “The hardships that once isolated me can connect me intimately, and universally, to many people in similar situations” says the luscious Latina. Captivating vocals over thumping tracks are her specialty and if her resilience is a testimony to her will to succeed we’ve only just begun to hear what Chika has to say.

Europa

EURÓPA

Biography

EURÓPA is a 6 piece Contemporary/Smooth Jazz and R&B group with a Latin flavor from San Antonio, Texas.  At the start of 2000, EURÓPA was formed by group founder, keyboardist and music director Alexander Ambrozaitis. Alex together with bass player James Pickens, lead alto saxophonist Virdrick Pettit and drummer Michael Alexander recorded EURÓPA’s first CD titled “ONE” in 2002.  EURÓPA had gone through a few musician changes and additions.  The first addition to the group was AJ Ambrozaitis on tenor/alto sax, keyboards, percussion and vocals in 2002. Another addition included vocalist RG Dean.  In 2003 Anselmo Leal became the lead alto/soprano sax and percussionist replacing Virdrick Pettit.  In 2008, Nate Crawford replaced drummer Michael Alexander, and sax player extordainer Onel Jimenez replaced Anselmo Leal.  In 2005 EURÓPA was given the “Party Jazz” label by a jazz festival promoter Robert Jackson from Louisiana, giving a name to the sounds and style of EURÓPA.

Throughout the years EURÓPA has toured in Texas, North America and Europe.  EURÓPA has opened for and or shared the stage with such artist as Warren Hill,  Chris Botti, Eddie Baccus, Pieces of a Dream, Kyle Turner, Strunz & Farrah, Confunkshun, Lakeside, Brian Culbertson, Michael Lington, Peter White, Freddie Ravel, Joe Posada and many others.

EURÓPA is currently promoting the release of its 2nd CD titled “ELEMENTS”.  The ELEMENTS CD will feature original ontemporary/Smooth Jazz and an R&B vocal selection. Inclusive a Christmas song done and arranged by EURÓPA.

EURÓPA is also working on touring throughout North America, Europe and Asia to promote its music.

Instrumentation
EURÓPA’ is:
ALEX AMBROZAITIS – Music director, lead keyboards and vocals. 
JAMES PICKENS – Assistant musical director, 4,5,6 string bass and vocals.
NATE CRAWFORD – Drums, percussion and vocals.
ONEL JIMENEZ – Alto sax, vocals and percussion.
AJ AMBROZAITIS – Tenor/alto/soprano sax, percussion, keyboards and vocals.
RG DEAN – Lead/back-up vocals and percussion.

Son del Sur

Son del Sur is a Los Angeles-based Latin music ensemble featuring Afro-Cuban percussion, violin, flute, trumpet, guitar and bass. We play traditional Cuban son, charanga, cha cha, cumbia, Latin jazz and other musical styles commonly known as salsa. We blend the traditional with the new to evoke a familiar yet innovative sound.

The group has entertained thousands of audiences in their 10 years of performance experience. They are skilled at engaging an audience with song and dance in a multitude of settings including city concerts, restaurants, night clubs or intimate engagements such as weddings, galas, or fundraisers.

Son del Sur was recently featured at Descarga; a Telemundo-Mun2 Summer Concert production at the Universal CityWalk. In addition, they appeared in the Muy Buenos Dias morning show that is televised to a national audience where they performed original music from their first CD release Musica Para Resonar el Alma and their upcoming 2nd CD production.

Son del Sur is ready to perform and entertain! !Puro Ache!

Pepe Serna

El Ruco, Chuco, Cholo, Pachuco

A One Man Performance

Written and performed by 
Pepe Serna

Acclaimed veteran actor, painter, and Master Teacher Pepe Serna and stars in his one-man show titled: “El Ruco, Chuco, Cholo, Pachuco”.

Through his mystical rhymes, The versatile actor takes you on a journey dating back to the pre-Columbian era that includes the legends from beyond. This universal stage propels him into a variety of characters from his past, present and future as he explores his Chicano experience and roots with split-second intensity.

“In this live performance, I want to reach out into the audience and celebrate our unique culture through the arts. I believe each and every one of us is an artist in their own lives.”

Serna’s performance goes in and out of each personality with laser-like clarity, as he jumps from century to century, continent to continent and ranging from the very serious to the comedic. The audience will end up laughing at itself.

“My performance will either give life to the child buried deep inside or reacquaint you with the child within you that begs to be heard. This is an adventure in the joy of your daily life. I perform what I hope to be a bridge to greater understanding from culture to culture and compassion for the soul’s ethnic journey because we really are all members of the same American Family.”

Through this intense and colorful performance Pepe Serna uses brilliant Mexican colors in his work to transport the audience through him onto the stage.

If his performance were a painting, you would experience the bold and vibrant strokes of his brush become his stage through the use of a magical palette of words in English, Spanish, and Calo (Mexican-American Slang). The audience is his subject and is transformed into the painting with him.
 
El Ruco, Chuco, Cholo, Pachuco

A One Man PERFORMANCE

Biography

Veteran actor and Master Teacher Pepe Serna has appeared in more than 100 feature films and 300 television shows. He has also lent his vocal talents to the Fox hit series “The PJ’s.” Serna played the part of Sanchez, who speaks with the aid of a voice box and is the only Hispanic cast member of the zany inner city characters created by Eddie Murphy. Recently, Serna starred in the controversial “Kingpin” on NBC.

Serna is best known for his performances in several motion pictures, most notably “Scarface” with Al Pacino. In fact, the incredible popularity of this film has turned it into a cult classic, and items relating to “Scarface” are now in great demand, as proven recently on E-bay. With this in mind, Serna has created a limited edition art piece-a Scarface Montage incorporating a cast of the infamous “arm,” available only here. Other films for which Serna is best known include “The Rookie” with Clint Eastwood; “American Me” with Edward James Olmos; “Silverado” with Kevin Costner; and the widely recognized Science Fiction classic “Buckaroo Banzi.”

The actor has also had the distinct honor of having played Jennifer Lopez’s father in two CBS series: “Second Chances” and “Hotel Malibu” just before her ascent to super stardom.

After many years in front of the cameras, Serna has taken his talents behind the scenes as an associate producer for the widely acclaimed independent film “Luminarias.”

This renaissance man of the millenium is also an accomplished artist, who began painting with the encouragement of his wife Diane, whom he met in 1969. His paintings reflect the vibrant and tropical colors of Mexico, and his artwork hangs in galleries and in the homes of art aficionados throughout the Southwest. He was recently commissioned by the Los Angeles Annenberg Metropolitan Project and the Mark Taper Foundation to paint an inspirational canvas on the subject of reading. It was turned into a poster and given to students in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Serna was discovered by the legendary producer Hal Wallis, who also discovered other young talents like Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas and Elvis Presley. Serna has been honored by the Screen Actors Guild Heritage Achievement Award; the League of United Latin American Citizens, and the prestigious Estrella Award for Arts & Culture from the Orange Country Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

A native of Corpus Christi, Texas, Serna resides in Newport Beach, California with his wife Diane, who he calls both his critical eye and his inspiration.

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Mingo Saldivar

A career than spans over four decades, Saldivar has grown to be one of the most dynamic and electrifying accordionist today. He is considered not only a pioneer, but a legend in Conjunto music.

At the age of 66, Saldivar was awarded our nations highest honor. In September of 2002, the National Endowment for the Arts awarded Mingo with the National Heritage Fellowship Award. An award that recognizes individuals for their lifetime achievement, artistic excellence and contributions to our nation’s traditional arts heritage.

Known to his fans as “The Dancing Cowboy”, Saldivar is now considered a National Treasure for his contributions through his music. Born in Marion, Texas a small community just Northeast of San Antonio, Saldivar was introduced to music by his father Jesus Saldivar and mother Pauline Saldivar. At the age of 11 Saldivar began learning the guitar, taught to him by his father. In time and after mastering several different instruments, Saldivar found his talent to be with the button accordion.

After spending sometime in the army as a paratrooper, Saldivar was introduced to the sound of country music and rhythm and blues, which today you can hear how he has incorporated it into his own unique style of playing. After leaving the army, Saldivar played with different conjunto bands, including Los Guadalupanos.

In 1964, Saldivar took his family to Anchorage, Alaska where he opened up a Mexican restaurant and created the only Conjunto band in the area. In 1971, Saldivar came back to his native San Antonio, where in 1975 started his own group known today as Mingo Saldivar Y Los Cuatro Espadas.

In recent years Saldivar has played at such venues as President Clinton’s First Inaugural Gala, the 1996 Olympics, Carnegie Hall, and a 5 week USIA tour of Africa and the Near Middle East. Saldivar is an Ambassador of Hispanic culture and tradition, sending his message through every note played on his accordion.

Mariachi Tapatio de Alvaro Paulino – New York, NY

Mariachi Tapatio de Alvaro Paulino, not only are they New York’s Finest Mariachi, but they have been rated as the “Northeast’s Finest Mariachi from NYC!” Que Viva El Mariachi Si Señor! Just as seen on channels ABC, NBC, MTV, MTV Tres, Univision, Telemundo etc. Not only has Mariachi Tapatio done TV shows, they have also done concerts at Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefellar Center, Cipriani Wall St. etc. Musical director Alvaro Paulino Jr. also tours with the “Nation’s Premier Mariachi”, Mariachi Sol De Mexico del maestro Jose Hernandez along with the great singer Luis Miguel! We have from the smallest to largest band available for you!

Mariachi Tapatio De Alvaro Paulino has performed at:
-Encuentro International Del Mariachi in New York, NY, Annually_
-Santa Cecilia Celebration in Brooklyn, NY, Annually
_-4th of July Parade in Florham Park, NJ, Annually
_-Jose Jose’s “El Principe De La Cancion” 40th Career Anniversary in New York, NY, February 2003 _
-Hispanic Heritage Celebration in Huntington, NY, October 3, 2003 _
-Harborfest in Oswego, NY, July 22-25, 2004
_-1st Mexican Independence Day celebtration at City Hall in New York, NY, September 16, 2004
_-Hispanic Heritage Celebration in Huntington, NY, October 1, 2004
_-Latino Leadership Alliance Banquet and Fundraiser in Philadelphia, PA, October 14, 2004
-David Letterman Show in New York, NY, May 4, 2005
-ASUKA Cruise in Cayman Islands, Panama and Costa Rica June 18 – 22, 2005
-TARGET wake up calls for Black Friday Sale Nationwide November 2005
-ABC’s Good Morning America in New York, NY, May 5, 2006
-III Congreso Mariano in New York, NY, May 21, 2006
-Premios Sin Limite in Long Island, NY, June 15, 2006
-El Diario De Mexico 4th Anniversary in New York, NY, August 25, 2006
-Casa Puebla, Yvonne Limon’s Art Expo in New York, NY August 25, 2006
-Madison Square Garden, Irish Ropes Boxing (John Duddy vs. Yory Boy Campas) in New York, NY, September 29, 2006
-St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, NY, December 12, 2006
-Copa Cabana in New York, NY, May 4, 2007
-Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY, May 5 – 6, 2007
-McDonald’s Promotion on 93.1 Amor in New York, NY, June 14, 2007
-Maria Felix Expo at Rockefellar Plaza in New York, NY, July 16, 2007
-Pier 61 South Street Seaport in New York, NY, July 26, 2007
-97.9 FM La Mega Studios in New York, NY, August 13, 2007
-92.7 FM La Que Buena in New York, NY, August 18, 2007
-NYTVF 2007 (New York Television Film Festival) Video Shmideo Screening in New York, NY September 5 – 9, 2007
-Mexian Cultural Center for the Mexican Independence Day Celebration in Philadelphia, PA September 16, 2007
-PEPSI Bottling Group Hispanic Heritage Celebration in Somers, NY, October 11, 2007
-Brooklyn Borough Hall for Brooklyn’s President Marty Markowit in Brooklyn, NY, October 4, 2007
-Dia De Los Muertos – Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture Without Borders / Cultura Mexicana Sin Fronteras in New York, NY, November 2, 2007
-Musical performance with with Lola Beltrran;s daughter, Maria Elena Beltran in Baltimore, MD, November 19, 2007
- Shoot for RPI/MTV 52/52 Bands: Wyclef Jean and Melissa Jimenez in New York, NY, December 7, 2007
- Fundraiser for National Dance Institute of Manhattan at Lincoln Center on April 7, 2008
- The Times Center in NYC on April 28, 2008
- Turnstone Casino in Verona, NY May 2 – 3, 2008
- “Cinco De Mayo” concert at Flushing Meadow, Park in Queens, NY on May 4, 2008
- Backed up Pablo Montero, Maria Elena Beltran, and Tigre Lupercio at Flushing Meadows, Queens, NY May 4, 2008
- 97.9 FM La Mega studio on the #1 morning “El Vacilon De La Mañana” in NYC on May 5, 2008
-McDonald’s promotion for Southern Style chicken biscuit and sandwich in NYC on May 15, 2008.
-America’s Society Gala on Cipriani Wall St. in NYC on June 4, 2008.
-Mexican Co. “Televisa” on World Yacht Marina Pier 81 in NYC on June 11, 2008.
-TV show “The Whitest Kids You know” Nov. 2008
-Holiday Online Card on www.myfacelol.com Dec. 2008
-ABC Tv show “Cupid” Summer 2008 – Winter 2009
-MTV Tres commercial for ESL Jan, 27, 2009
-Jose Cuervo “Silver” Promotion party Jan 30, 2009
-“Suburban Adventures” TV shoot Jan 31, 2009
-Television show “Make My Day” with Vivica Fox and Montel Williams in NYC May 29, 2009
-Concert at Rockefeller Center for NYC Restaurants reception June 8, 2009
-Tribute to “The Beatles” concert in Union Square NYC on Sept, 9,2009
-Flim shoot for MGM movie “Zookeeper” with Kevin James in Boston, MA on Sept 27-29, 2009
-NBC comedy show “30 Rock” with Tina Fey and Tracy Morgan Oct. 26, 2009
-Sketch film shoot for in Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn NY Dec. 6, 2009
-Concert at “Museo Del Barrio” Dec. 20, 2009

Grupo Sueño

A little over 3 years in the making, DFW’s newest and hottest Tejano Band is taking North Texas by storm! Made up of 7 talented and spirited musicians, this 3 man front versitile band made a big splash in DFW in 2001. 

Carl Gomez, Isaac Gonzalez, Timmy Trevino, Alvino Torres, Gabriel Gonzalez,  Matt Calderon, and Abel Casillas are the full force behind Grupo Sueno and promises to take the band to the extreme in the Tejano industry. Grupo Sueno not only specializes in Tejano, their versitality also consists of Funk, Rock, Disco, R&B, Salsa, Pop, Rock en Espanol, Conjunto, Old Skool Chicano, and Cumbiaso.

The harmonizing of 3 backup vocalists, Grupo Sueno mixes in today’s Tejano Onda with the classic sounds of the Chicano Era. Known as “The Dream Team”, Grupo Sueno does indeed have the talent to make it in the tough world of Tejano. With the key ingredients of desire, drive, focus, and the support of their families and friends, Sueno’s  “dream” will become a reality.