In a series entitled: Songs of the Homeland, a documentary largely unknown to the general public, provides a journey through the Mexican American experience in Texas as told through its vibrant music. All presentations are offered free of charge to the public.
Spanning the period from the early 1900s to the present, during which a Mexican-American identity was forged in the United States, the film documents the distinctive role played by folk music traditions of Tejanos. Like its people, the music has been shaped by the unusual experience of existing between two cultures. This documentary also brings the story of Tejano music to life by looking at musicians such as Lydia Mendoza, Valerio Longoria, Isidro Lopez, and Little Joe Hernandez who have played key roles in keeping the tradition alive through the succeeding generations. The continual emergence of young musicians such as David Lee Garza y Los Musicales, Selena Quintanilla, La Mafia, and Los Chamacos provides testimony to the music’s continued vitality.
An introductory presentation was given by Dr. Olivia Rivas, titled The History of Conjunto Music followed by a screening of Songs of the Homeland, a documentary produced and directed by nationally acclaimed, independent filmmaker, Hector Galan and narrated by Grammy Award Winner Freddy Fender.
Future lecture series topics include: For a Quarter, A Song: A documentary screening with a lecture by Dr. Manuel Medrano on Oct. 9, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. in the San Benito Community Building Auditorium at 210 E. Heywood Street.
Then on Nov. 15, 2018, The History of Ideal Recording Co. will be featured. This is a lecture by Lionel Betancourt, whose family operated the historic facility in San Benito. Time and date is Oct. 9, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. in the San Benito Community Building Auditorium at 210 E. Heywood Street.
The final presentation of this series is Accordion Dreams, a documentary screening on January 16, 2019 in the San Benito Community Building Auditorium at 210 E. Heywood Street.
The Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame & Museum is a 501c 3 non-profit organization which strives to preserve and promote the Texas history and musical heritage of Conjunto music. The public is invited to this program History of Conjunto Music Documentary & Lecture series. Admission is FREE to the public. Light refreshments will be served. The San Benito Community Building Auditorium is located at 210 E. Heywood, San Benito, TX. For information contact Rey Avila at 956-245-1666.