Welcome to the Tejano music capital of the world. This is the latest, on this edition of The Tejano Grapevine.

Do you remember the Thrilla in Manila, the Rumble in the Jungle? While the event I am going to mention may not be a pugilistic event, it could very well be the biggest knock down, drag out, musical confrontation we have ever seen. I am talking about the ultimate battle of the bands being titled the “Texas Shootout” coming up on August 2, 2008 where Oscar de la Rosa and La Mafia will face off against AB Quintanilla and The Kumbia All Starz! It’s scheduled to take place at the Richard Borchard Regional Fairgrounds in Robstown. This mano a mano musical will have two stages, with La Mafia performing one song and The Kumbia All Starz answering the challenge with one of their songs. Doors are scheduled to open at 7:30pm and ticket prices are expected to be $20 presale and $25 at the door. As soon as ticket outlets are announced I will let you all know where to go and buy your tickets. Not exactly neutral territory, but a great backdrop for what promises to be a historical Tejano night.

In the meantime if you need a Tejano party to go to, and support a good cause, go to the March of Dimes Tejanos for Heroes 2008 “Be A Hero for a Baby” happening at Rosedale Park this Sunday June 29^th from 1pm to 11pm. Leading the pack of Tejano performers is Jay Perez, along with Ram Herrera and the Outlaw Band, Stefani Montiel and Lush, The Tex-Mex Kadillaks, and the Latin Legends. Tickets are only $5 before 5pm, after 5pm only $10. All proceeds benefit the March of Dimes.

Check out new Tejano host, Gabriel Zavala on the latest Tejano TV show titled, “Tejano y Mas”. It’s on KSAT 12 at 11am. You Go Gabe!  

Kudos to the Tejano Academy for another successful Tejano Fan Fair!  The Tejano stars came out to greet and entertain fans at at La Villita’s Maverick Plaza. Despite the incredible heat, fans were treated to even hotter performances from the Latin Express, Ram Herrera and the Outlaw Band, Agnes and Arturo and the New Variety Band, and Ricardo Castillon and La Diferencia left fans yelling encore, otra, otra! And Los Palominos was the icing on the Tejano cake. On hand signing autographs were, Oscar de la Rosa y La Mafia, Los Palominos, David Lee Garza y Los Musicales, Ruben Ramos, The Desporadoz, La Diferencia, Jaime y Los Chamacos, Joe Posada, Leslie Lugo, Los Texmaniacs, Los Krazy Pimps, Sunny Sauceda, Eddie Gonzales, Jonny Martinez, Megan Leyva, The TexMex Kadillacs, and New Variety Band.

Have you booked your Tejano vacation yet? For those of you who want to go to Las Vegas for a vacation, you might want to book your flights and your rooms at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. This July 4th and 5th The Academy of Tejano Artists and Musicians is sponsoring the 2008 Tejano Academy Super Dance. The line up on Friday July 4th, will include Los Badd Boyz del Valle, Jessy Serrata and The New Wave Band, and Jay Perez. On Saturday July 5th the Tejano Super Dance continues with Jaime de Anda y Los Chamacos, Los Desperadoz, Roberto Pulido y Los Classicos, and David Lee Garza y Los Musicales. Tickets are still available through www.Tickets-4-Any-Event.com the official ticket retailer for The Tejano Academy Super Dance go to www.tejanosuperdance.com 

Here are the latest Tejano CD’s from some of your favorite Tejano artists. Joe Posada’s CD titled “Friends & Legends” with the hit “Yo Fui El Culpable” featuring Jay Perez. Also featured, on Joe’s CD, Jimmy Edward, Sunny Ozuna, Stefani Montiel, and Chente Barrera. Speaking of Chente Barrera his new CD, “Music Lessons” is also out, again featuring guest vocalist Jay Perez on Steve Jordan’s influenced “La Llorona Loca”.  And whether you consider Intocable Tejano or Norteno, I highly recommend their latest CD “2C” their twelfth release for their current label. It includes their incomparable style along with their syncopated rhythms and memorable lyrics. While I thought the whole CD was great, my favorite songs were “Me Deje Caer”, “Dime Que Me Amas”, and “Tu Adios No Mata”.  Los Palominos also have a new CD titled “Me Enamore de Un Angel” and last but not least check out the new Grupo Vida CD with the hit “Amor a Primera Vista” and the new La Mafia CD with the hit “Eternamente” reminiscent of one of their biggest hits “Vida”. Go to your nearest music store to check out the latest hits by your favorite Tejano artists.

The National Tejano Music Convention and Awards is coming to Dallas, Tx on August 15th through the 17th at the Dallas Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Tejano artists and musicians will be able to participate in different convention breakout sessions, and Tejano music fans will be able to be entertained by some of their favorite Tejano artists. Keep checking back here and on their website www.tejanoticket.com for updated information.

That’s the latest from the Tejano music capital of the world!  I’m Abby Chavarrilla, …remember to tell everyone I heard it through The Tejano Grapevine.