Susan Torres Nevarez & JJ Barrera, directors
This concert will last about one hour without intermission.
Please silence your electronic devices.
Photography, video, or recording of any part of this performance is prohibited
Program
Francisco Terriquez
El Quelite
A tribute to the town of El Quelite, Sinaloa
Polka, as recorded by Mickey y Sus Carnales
Ramon T. Medina 1937-2007
El Preso c. 1988
(The Prisoner)
Ranchera, as recorded by Ruben Naranjo y Los Gamblers
Matias Munoz, Jr. 1957-2024
A Mover el Bote c.1995
(Shake Your Booty)
Cumbia, as recorded by Los Texmaniacs
Matias Munoz, Jr.
Echate Un Grito
(Let Out a Yell)
Huapango, as recorded by Frutty Villarreal y Los Mavericks
Dorindo Cardenas b.1936
El Diario de Un Borracho 1995
(The Diary of a Drunk Man)
Cumbia, as recorded by Aniceto Molina
June Carter 1929-2003
Merle Kilgore 1934-2005
Rueda de Fuego 1962
(Ring of Fire)
Ranchera, as recorded by Mingo Saldivar y Sus Tremendos Cuatro Espadas
Narcisco Martinez 1911-1992
Flor Marchita 1937
(Withered Flower)
Chotis
Alfonso Esparza Oteo
Adolorido
(Heartbroken)
Polka, as adapted by Ruben Vela
About the Program
Tonight’s recital honors conjunto’s roots as dance-hall music, meant to be felt, not just observed. The word “recital” is often traced to Franz Liszt in the 1840s, and even then, concerts were lively social events. People talked, moved around, and applauded in the middle of pieces. The quiet, formal etiquette we think of as normal settled in over the late 1800s and 1900s, but for folk and dance traditions like conjunto, it never really changed. Gritos and dancing were always part of the music.
So before recitals got quiet, music was a conversation between players and listeners, and we’d love to bring a little of that back. Clap, dance on our stage, and let out a grito whenever the music moves you!
Thank you for being here!
About the Artists
Bradley Jaye Williams, Bajo Sexto
UT Conjunto is excited and thankful to have Mr. Bradley Jaye Williams playing Bajo Sexto with us! Mr. Williams was born March 7, 1961 in Saginaw, Michigan. He started singing and playing trumpet in elementary school choir and concert band at 10 years old. He worked for over a decade in the commercial fishing industry on fishing boats in Alaska, the Gulf Stream and on the docks at Pier 45 in San Francisco, before starting a career as a street musician playing the button accordion in the train stations, sidewalks and flea markets of the Bay Area. In 1993, he moved to Austin, Texas where he re-formed his band Conjunto Los Pinkys along with accordionist Ysidro Samilpa. The band recorded two CDs with Rounder Records and a solo CD "Tex-Mex Gumbo". Mr. Williams plays bajo sexto, mandolin, guitar, diatonic accordions and Chemnitzer concertina. He is an accordion repairman, tuner and a certified technician for Hohner Accordions.
Musicians
Domenica Aburto De La Fuente, bass
Santiago Lopez, chromatic accordion
Michael Rivera Gonzalez, drums
Jonathan Simon, diatonic accordion
Susanna Nevarez, Instructor, diatonic accordion
J J Barrera, instructor, bass
Upcoming Events
HISPANIC CARIBBEAN ENSEMBLE
Free Admission
Wednesday, April 7, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
Bates Recital Hall
CONJUNTO ENSEMBLE
Free Admission
Monday, April 12, 7:30 p.m.
Bates Recital Hall
MARIACHI ENSEMBLE
50Th Anniversary Celebration
Free Admission
Saturday, April 17, 4:00 p.m.
Bates Recital Hall
Event Details
Free admission