Ambixion has very diverse sound bringing, Reggae-Cumbia, Texas country, as well as R&B into the traditional Texas born conjunto sound making a new sound born in Texas called Conjunto Fusion, with their first album Ambixion Vol.I released in March,2005 Ambixion made a mark in Tejano music’s history time line with a nomination at the 2006 Tejano Music Awards for Conjunto album progressive of the year , crossover band of the year and most promising band of the year, As well as nomination at the 2007 Industry Awards. With their second release of Vol.II “Todo O Nada” Ambixion plans to widen their fanbase worldwide to send the message of Texas’ Conjunto sound to listeners everywhere.

Grupo Ambixion consist of:

Adam Ramirez (Lead Vocalist),
Andrew Rodriguez (Mgr., Accordion, Vocals),
Raymond Lopez (Bajo Sexto, 2nd Voice)
Rene Rangel (Drummer)
Richard Mestis (Bass, Bajo Electrico).

Thanksgiving weekend in 2001, Ambixion traveled to Corpus Christi and in Competition held by the Tejano Academy of Fine Arts, Grupo Ambixion brought home the 1st place trophy in the band category. Being the only group out of North Texas, it came to Grupo Ambixion as a big surprise.

Grupo Ambixion has had the honor sharing the stage with Tropa F, Pression, Joe Lopez, Michael Salgado and many other great Tejano artists and continue to strive to play with the best.

Country Couples is comprised of four seasoned entertainers who share a vision of  providing the highest quality product available.  We have recruited the very best tribute artist for each character presented. Tribute shows of this caliber allow clients with a smaller national act budget to experience the drawing power of this unique show concept.  If your audience likes country music, give them a show they will want to see – and never forget! 

Chad as "Tim"

Chad began working in the music industry in 1992 as an apprentice studio engineer at LSI Recording Studio, on Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee. During this time, and up until 1994, he was also mixing FOH for Curb recording artist Eric Hamilton Band. From there he was employed as a studio engineer for Co-Heart music, where he was also signed as a songwriter in 1995. From 1996 to 1997 Chad was employed as a sound and lighting technician with Nashville Cartage and Sound, where he was responsible for setup and display of PA and lighting equipment. While continuing to work as a live sound engineer, Chad began performing as a Tim McGraw impersonator at numerous casinos throughout the United States. Also in 1998, he signed his second songwriting contract with Tanasi Music Group as well as an Artist Management Agreement with Fortune 500 entrepreneur, Ed Arnold. This led to the recording of his first album and the production of a music video. During the year 2000, Chad took a break from performing and began touring as a sound/lighting technician and MC with Dean Hall Enterprises on the Winston NASCAR circuit. From 2001 to present, Chad has been performing live nationwide, while continuing to use his production experience on various live and studio projects. He is Company Manager and Entertainer in a major Hotel Casino in Las Vegas.

Jennifer as "Faith"

Jennifer grew up as a shy child in an outgoing ethnic family. Overweight and uninterested in school, she would escape to her room singing at the top of her lungs to an imaginary audience. Such artists as Linda Ronstadt, Barbra Streisand, and Aretha Franklin would be heard throughout the neighborhood. In a chance encounter at 18, a friend would hear her sing and suggest she get in shape and fulfill her lifelong dream of performing in front of a real audience. That vote of confidence was all it took. At 19 she started singing in major casinos all over the Las Vegas strip and eventually was the principal vocalist in major shows such as Folies Bergere` and Legends in Concert. After a while, Jennifer went on to perfect a tribute to one of her favorite singers, Linda Ronstadt and appear in Atlantic City, NJ; Branson, MO; Myrtle Beach, SC showrooms, just to name a few.

In 1995 she won the title of Miss Nevada and went on to win the Talent Award at the 1995-96 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City. With that title she was able to mentor thousands of kids about how to raise their self-esteem and overcome hardships. She has been in many plays and musicals through out this time and she would also perform and record with Julio Eglasias and Debbie Reynolds. In 1998 she braved the Harlem audience to get a standing ovation at Showtime at the Apollo. Jennifer competed on the reality TV show “The Entertainer, Starring Wayne Newton” upon which she was showcased internationally. She displayed charisma, leadership, talent and professionalism throughout the whole competition, which brought her to be one of the three finalists with an amazing finish. She immediately went on to sing back up for Mr. Las Vegas himself, Wayne Newton, in his show.

Recently, she won the appreciation of Mr. Don Rickles when she opened for him at the HBO Comedy Festival at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. This multitalented woman has sang, danced and acted her way through stage, television and the silver screen yet still manages to stay a bit shy like the girl next door she’ll always be.

Dean as "Garth"

Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Dean followed the footsteps of his father, uncle and grandfather to a life of performing country music.  At just seven years old, he was strumming his guitar with his dad and his band.  His theatrical education included acting, lighting design, sound engineering and technical direction for video and live performance.

After graduation, Dean formed a band where he played lead guitar and sang country hits of the early nineties.  The band quickly rose to popularity performing in nightclubs, fairs and festivals all over the Pacific Northwest. They also had the honor of performing for our military servicemen and women at bases here in the U.S., the Caribbean, South Pacific and the Far East.  By 1992 Garth Brooks was King and Dean found himself learning and loving Garth’s brand of music.  After receiving so much positive feedback, he set his sights on paying tribute to this modern country music giant.  By studying the songs, concert footage and music videos, not only could he perform Garth’s music, but he was also able to emulate his mannerisms, the walk, the talk, even the laugh.  In 1994, Dean began his career as a Garth Brooks tribute artist and has since become one of the most sought-after acts in the industry.  In 1996, after appearing in various other tribute shows, producer John Stuart hired him to perform in “Legends in Concert” in Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, SC and countless short tours and one-night performances across the country.  In 1998, while looking to expand his act, Dean produced and directed his own 90-minute “GarthGuy LIVE!” concert based on Garth’s live show.  The reception was overwhelming and he has since performed for hundreds of very satisfied clients including corporate event sponsors, fairs, festivals, casinos, and universities from coast to coast, and abroad.

While the real Garth Brooks is enjoying his retirement with his family in Oklahoma, Dean, aka GarthGuy, now celebrates 15 years of giving audiences across the country the best representation of what they might never get to see, “Garth Brooks, Live.”

Kathy as "Trisha"

Born and raised in Northern California, Kathy followed the footsteps of her father, beginning her musical endeavors at age 10.  After moving to Las Vegas in the early eighties Kathy performed throughout the Vegas Valley, while maintaining a full time career in the hotel industry. In 1993 Kathy convinced a few local tavern owners to invest in some sound equipment and add live entertainment to the various clubs and soon began entertaining as an evening hobby.  The old timers were a little slow to warm to the idea, but Kathy was undaunted with her compilation of Patsy Cline and Jim Reeves tunes.  Soon the clientele in the taverns turned out in droves and one thing led to another.  “I went to a night club after a costume party and I was dressed like Madonna’s Vogue- look, the response and reaction from people was an overwhelming experience, they really thought I was the Material Girl.  

“After that incident I became more intrigued with how different I could make myself look” she said.  After singing a Wynonna song, a friend suggested that Kathy try to pay tribute the young singing Judd.  This was just the beginning. The next day she went on a shopping spree for red wigs, western wardrobe and a guitar.  A few years later, it was suggested to Kathy she add another tribute to her repertoire to include the country crooner, Trisha Yearwood, since many people commented on the eerie similarity to the country star’s natural look and style. Kathy continues to perform in front of audiences nationwide as often as she can.

You don’t come by an album title like “The Cold Hard Truth” without suffering through some ugly experiences, and like anyone else, Ed Burleson has had his share. But in the best country tradition, this Denison, Texas, native throws those hard knocks into his music and learns from them in life.

The title of his new release may seem like an ironic follow-up to 1999’s My Perfect World, but consider that between the two, Burleson lost his mentor, manager and producer, the legendary Doug Sahm, and his label, Sahm’s Tornado Records. That killed his career momentum despite Perfect World’s climb to No. 3 on radio trade magazine Gavin’s Americana chart. His divorce was just one more knockout punch.

But Burleson, a former rodeo rider, picked himself up, dusted off, and jumped back in the saddle. He poured his honky-tonk heart into making Truth, which Palo Duro Records will release April 27.

This collection of 14 mostly self-penned songs is the product of that determination, but Burleson made sure to acknowledge the late Texas Tornado’s personal and professional friendship. His homage comes via Sahm’s own voice, which is heard in the intro to the previously recorded song, “Heart Break Highway.”

What attracted Sahm was Burleson’s reverence for traditional bluegrass and honky-tonk, delivered with a distinctive nasal twang and not one note of insincerity.

Chet Flippo commented in Billboard magazine that Burleson’s music is “the purest-sounding country I’ve heard in a long time.” Other journalists have lauded him for being, in the words of the Dallas Observer’s Rob Patterson, “too country for Nashville, but not for Texas.”

Burleson’s Texas bloodline goes back as far as his name: Bennett Edward Burleson IV. Born in 1969, he grew up in a music-loving family that moved frequently because of his dad’s sales career. They landed in Lewisville, where Ed joined his high school rodeo team — a choice that led directly to his music career. In college on a bronco-bucking scholarship, Burleson traded some riding tack for a guitar.

After graduation, he moved to Dallas and joined the professional rodeo circuit, but got lassoed by a knee injury. Recovering gave him enough free time (or boredom) to get serious about music. He decided to leave the cowboy life to follow another kind of Texas tradition as a country singer/songwriter.

Visiting Dallas’ Three Teardrops Tavern to hear his country heroes earnEd Burleson an invitation to do an open-stage set. The bar owner then offered him a regular Thursday night slot if he could assemble a band in four days. That band’s drummer, Richard Burleson, still performs with his son.

Ed’s first recording was Live at Three Teardrops. His next, Comin’ Around, got him to the Broken Spoke, Austin’s real-deal dance hall. Sahm was there, and Ed gave him a CD, which Sahm loved so much, he wound up re-releasing as Perfect World. He also became Burleson’s manager, but two weeks after performing at Ed’s CD release party, Sahm was gone. Without him, the album floundered, and so did Ed’s career.

But he didn’t give up. Laboring by day and playing as many nights as he could, Burleson built a strong fan base. He also found new love and co-produced Bennett Edward Burleson V.

Burleson’s life still isn’t perfect — as if anyone’s could be. But the real truth is, he’s happy. And it’s time for true country fans to know.

Jill McGuckin

Gabe was born and raised in the small farming town of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Gabe spent most of his adolescent life building adobe homes with his grandfather, brother, and cousins along the Rio Grande River. It was during this time that he started taking a true interest in music. Gabe remembers his grandfather dancing around the job site with a shovel, to a combination of traditional Mexican Rancheras and country music blaring from his cement spattered portable radio. Since those days, he dreamed of a day when his voice would be on the radio, and his grandfather could dance to his music.

Getting Started:

As time went on, Gabe would sing at weddings, fiestas, and family gatherings, but was fearful that his hopes of being a true performer were quickly passing him by. Never being one to give up, Gabe entered the TNN television “Be a Star” contest, where he was chosen over many contestants to be a top finalist. This was Gabe’s first brush with success in the music world, and the fuel he needed to launch his exciting career.

Awards and Radio Play:

After hearing Gabe on a home-recorded tape, Allen and David Frizzell encouraged Gabe to participate in the Gibson Guitar Road to Nashville Championships at the First Annual Lefty Frizzell Day in Corsicana, Texas. Gabe eagerly agreed and head out for Texas to compete against some of the nations finest. When the dust settled and local radio and television personalities tallied up the votes, Gabe was the clear winner! He was presented with an EJ-200 Epiphone Guitar, recording time, and an appearance on TNN Music City Tonight with Crook and Chase.

While in the studio, Gabe decided to record a remake of Lefty Frizzell’s hit song, “Love you a Thousand Ways”. The twist was, that Gabe would make it an up tempo version, with bilingual lyrics! In order to accomplish this, Gabe brought in long-time friend and music icon Little Richie Johnson, who produced and promoted numerous hits with Farron Young, Willie Nelson, and George Jones. Little Richie called in top musicians from Nashville, and blended them with authentic mariachis from New Mexico. This unique sound sent Gabe’s song charging up the international charts, and landed him his first top ten hit on the Independent Country charts. As a result of his rapid exposure and radio acceptance, Gabe was named Airplay International Male Rising Star at the King Eagle Radio Awards in Nashville, TN. Gabe’s single was heard in Denmark, Sweden, France, Australia, Germany and Spain. This marked the first time a Hispanic had ever won this award.

Gabe’s next single “Moonlight, Roses and Wine” went all the way to number one on the independent country charts, and quickly branded Gabe’s style as “putting a little jalapeno in your coleslaw”! The demand for copies of this single, sent Gabe into the studio to record his current album bearing the same title as this successful song. Little Richie has since past away, but Gabe dedicates this album and every live appearance to Richie and his dream of taking Gabe to the top.

Recently, Gabe was selected as the only country-act on the Hispanic Compilation CD “The Chicano Alliance”. This CD will target the Hispanic consumer and raise monies for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. Gabe will be featured with such Spanish icons as Little Joe y La Familia, Malo, Tierra, and El Chicano.

Shows, Tours and Appearances:

Along with Gabe’s radio success in the independent world, he has also been the opening act for some pretty well known names, such as: Rick Trevino, Ruben Ramos, The Tex Maniacs, Patty Loveless, Holly Dunn, Rhett Akins, Ken Mellons, Joe Diffie, The Dixie Chicks, Baker and Myers, America, and Rick Springfield.

Gabe has also been the headline act for some pretty high exposure promotions and shows as well. Gabe was selected by Sonic Restaurants and Dr Pepper to be their honorary spokesperson for a program to help students stay in school. Gabe went on tour across the states of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, putting on concerts for high schools with the highest overall attendance for the year. The two sponsors provided Gabe with a tour bus, radio and television support, and a commercial that took a Silver Medal in the Houston Film Festival.

Next Gabe was selected to be the main act at the US Olympic Torch Ceremony held in Huntsville, AL at the US Space and Rocket Center. The event was sponsored by Coca-Cola simulcast across the southeast, and viewed by over 30 thousand people in the live Huntsville audience.

Gabe was selected for both the Dr Pepper tour and the Coca-Cola Olympic Torch Ceremony, as the result of his Hispanic heritage, and his ability to sing in both English and Spanish.

Gabe has also headlined the Whole Enchilada Fiesta in Las Cruces, NM, and the Albuquerque Balloon Festival. Both of these events have been previously headlined by such names as Selena, Brooks and Dunn, and Tejano legend Little Joe. Gabe’s October appearance there was met with great reviews and enormous crowds.

In their September issue, Latin Style Magazine reviewed Gabe’s CD. This is the first country album ever reviewed by this enormously popular Hispanic magazine. The album was given high marks, and recommended to the Hispanic community.

Most recently Gabe was invited to perform along with Tony Orlando, Andy Williams, Jimmy Osmond and Bobby Vinton at a recent Tribute to our nation’s veterans in Branson, Mo. Tony Orlando has kind of taken Gabe under his wing as of late, and has vowed to assist Gabe in anyway possible.

Community Involvement:

Gabe is a Loaned Executive and volunteer for the United Way. As a Loaned Executive, Gabe is responsible for educating and encouraging major corporations to support both financially and in volunteer time, the United Way Organization and its agencies. Gabe sits on many boards for various charitable organizations, and performs regularly at the United Cerebral Palsy Telethon on ABC, to help raise funds for CP research. Gabe is also involved in the SAFE Foundation, an organization focused on the communication and education of National Missile Defense Programs, geared toward the development of a national resolve for support of our nation’s borders.

Other Tidbits:

Gabe graduated Magna Cum Laude from Faulkner Christian University in Montgomery, AL, with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Gabe is currently pursuing his second Masters Degree in Management of Information Systems at Florida Tech, where he holds a 4.0 GPA. Gabe was previously the VP for NASA Programs for BAE SYSTEMS Analytical Solutions, a major aerospace firm that specializes in missile defense programs, modeling and simulation, and other engineering services. 

Band:

Gabe’s band is affectionately called the Jalapeno Express. It is comprised of mostly Hispanic musicians that grew up with Gabe in the Southwest. The band focuses on mixing the cultures of country with New Mexico flavors and traditions. 

Film / Acting:

Currently, Gabe is involved in a separate avenue of entertainment, as the Executive Producer of the Jordan-Walker Pearlman Film “Constellation”, starring Billy Dee Williams, Gabrielle Union, and Leslie Ann Warren. Gabe played a cameo roll in the film as well, as “Astronaut Rivera”, and also supported the soundtrack along with Backstreet Boy Howard Dorough as co-music supervisors. The film will be distributed internationally through CodeBalck Entertainment and Twentieth Century Fox. The movie is also available “On Demand” through several major cable networks and companies. Additionally, Gabe will be reading for several parts in major films to be produced by various independent and studio organizations. 

Personal:

Married with three children

Gabe currently resides in Austin, TX where he performs at various events and promotions.


“The Garth Guy”

Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Dean followed the footsteps of his father, uncle and grandfather to a life of performing country music.  At just seven years old, he was strumming his guitar with his dad and his band.  His theatrical education included acting, lighting design, sound engineering and technical direction for video and live performance.

After graduation, Dean formed a band where he played lead guitar and sang country hits of the early nineties.  The band quickly rose to popularity performing in nightclubs, fairs and festivals all over the Pacific Northwest. They also had the honor of performing for our military servicemen and women at bases here in the U.S., the Caribbean, South Pacific and the Far East.  By 1992 Garth Brooks was King and Dean found himself learning and loving Garth’s brand of music.  After receiving so much positive feedback, he set his sights on paying tribute to this modern country music giant.  By studying the songs, concert footage and music videos, not only could he perform Garth’s music, but he was also able to emulate his mannerisms, the walk, the talk, even the laugh.  In 1994, Dean began his career as a Garth Brooks tribute artist and has since become one of the most sought-after acts in the industry.  In 1996, after appearing in various other tribute shows, producer John Stuart hired him to perform in “Legends in Concert” in Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, SC and countless short tours and one-night performances across the country.  In 1998, while looking to expand his act, Dean produced and directed his own 90-minute “GarthGuy LIVE!” concert based on Garth’s live show.  The reception was overwhelming and he has since performed for hundreds of very satisfied clients including corporate event sponsors, fairs, festivals, casinos, and universities from coast to coast, and abroad.

While the real Garth Brooks is enjoying his retirement with his family in Oklahoma, Dean, aka GarthGuy, now celebrates 15 years of giving audiences across the country the best representation of what they might never get to see, “Garth Brooks, Live.”

Over the course of this extraordinary career, Vida, also known as, The Electric Cowboys, have been awarded multiple awards in some of TTMA’S major categories.

Far beyond the extraordinary levels of success that Vida has already achieved, 2001 managed to add further levels of accomplishment as the group accepted the challenge to tour the record breaking “Fly” tour with Country music’s very own, The Dixie Chicks.

In addition, to this successful tour, the group has opened up for some of Country Music’s biggest names like: JO DEE MESSINA, CLAY WALKER, NEAL McCOY and SHeDAISY.

Fans from all over the country have had the opportunity to see Vida at they’re very best, and recognized them as not just a Tejano rocker… but as a group with a passion for music. A passion strong enough to propel their career through many more years of enormous success. This unpredictable group’s foundation is built upon solid dedication, hard work, teamwork, and above all it all comes directly from the heart.

Everyone gives their 101%, and play absolutely amazing parts. These key ingredients allow them to give in return to the thousands of fans that come out and inspire each night of this musical journey. It’s appreciation, among talent that has made their rapport with the audience truly unexcelled.

These down to earth, yet undeniable superstars are:

TTMA’S 2005 “Guitar Player Of The Year” Jason Martinez, Keyboards, Javier Sauceda, Bass, Rick Vega, Drums, Tim Villanueva, Accordian, Joel Vasquez, and last, but certainly not least. The Voice behind it all:  Art Tigerina

Lead Vocalist, Art Tigerina, consistently earns critical praise as a charismatic Vocal artist with a versatile expressive ability.

A versatility that has become one of Vida’s trademarks.

With the release of “Vida Vivo” in 2004, Vida toured in Broad recognition for their unique artistry, and received a Grammy nomination for “Best Album” at the 47th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Vida’s release “Ultimo Segundo” only continued the success as hit single “Tomas Tomas” Climbed the charts.

This is truly a group that stops at nothing!

The hard work, and dedication continue…

For months of long hours the group worked very closely With Nashville producers to release their first Country album Entitled “Prisoners Of The Honky Tonk”, an album that will Feature original country tunes. An album that will become another amazing display of this career that only continues to soar, taking The Electric Cowboys to new heights of achievement and accomplishment.

Now with seven of the best selling albums in the industry, Vida is like a slow burning fuse headed for explosion, and to add fuel to the fire is none other than Vida’s proud sponsors:

The king of Beers “Budweiser”(Anheuser Busch), Gibson Guitars, Jay’s Auto Sales, Sabian Symbols, and Promark drumsticks.

Some of Vida’s many awards are as follows:

1998 “TTMA SHOWBAND OF THE YEAR”
1999 “TEMA SHOWBAND OF THE YEAR”
1999 “TEMA DRUMMER OF THE YEAR”
1999 “TEMA MALE ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR”
2004 “TTMA RISING BAND OF THE YEAR”
2005 “TTMA SHOWBAND OF THE YEAR”
2005 “SXSW TEX MEX ABND OF THE YEAR”
2005 “TTMA GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR”
2005 “RECEIVED GRAMMY NOMINATION”
2005 “CURRENT MAGAZINE BEST TEJANO/CONJUNTO GROUP OF THE YEAR”

VIDA’S DISCOGRAPHY ARE AS FOLLOWS:

VIDA WITH THEIR #1 HIT.. “SIN BUENAS CONDICIONES”
SIN CONTROL WITH THE TOP 5 HIT “MUJERES, MUJERES”
SANGRE PARA TI, FEATURING “COMO VIVIRE”
ELECTRIC COWBOYS, WITH HIT SINGLE “ CUANDO, CUANDO”
VIDA VIVO- GRAMMY NOMINATED LIVE ALBUM
ULTIMO SEGUNDO, WITH HIT SINGLE “TOMAS, TOMAS”

AND COMING YOUR WAY TO CONTINUE THE SUCCESS………………

“ PRISONER OF THE HONKY TONK”

Lil Bit and the Customatics

“Lil’ Bit, one of the few female rockabilly singers around, is San Antonio’s version of a honky-tonk angel who sings a blend of roots rock and old-time, hard-edged country covers and originals what she calls “heartbreakin’ honky-tonk-a-billy.” -Jim Beal, SA Express News & DJ, Third Coast Music Network, 90.1 KSYM

Hittin’ the road both at home and abroad, this band has been roaming Central Texas and beyond stopping in every honky tonk and juke joint they can find. In just under four years, they have garnered critical acclaim for their debut release “Short & Sweet”, as well as their second “Headin’ On” and third “Whiskey Nights”, most recently receiving My Texas Music’s 2005 Vocal Group of the Year nomination as well as nominations for Lil’ Bit as Female Vocalist of the Year and Tomcat Miller for Musician of the Year. Look for their fourth album “Lone Star Girl” – released in February 2007. Other accomplishments include ranking on the August 2004 and November 2003 Freedom American Roots Charts, performing at 2005’s Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender, Seattle’s 2005 Shake the Shack Rockabilly Ball and receiving Rockabilly Radios Hot Site Award. Combining a love for rockabilly, country, honky tonk and roots music, Lil Bit & The Customatics know how to put together an evening of traditional and original favorites!

They’ve had the honor and pleasure to share the stage with many musical legends and peers such as Wayne Hancock, Deke Dickerson, Wanda Jackson, Two Tons of Steel, Sid & Billy King, Rosie Flores, James Intveld, Two Hoots & A Holler, The Lost Bayou Ramblers, Billy Bacon & The Forbidden Pigs, Lee Rocker, The Chop Tops, Keen Kousins, The Southerners, Dawn Shipley & The Sharpshooters, 1/4 Mile Combo, Revival Revue, Ruby Dee & The Snakehandlers, Hot Rod Lincoln, Johnny Mercury, Halden Wofford & The Hi Beams and the list goes on.

Band Members

Lil’ Bit – lead vocals, songwriter

Tomcat Miller – vocals, slap-bass, harmonica, acoustic guitar, songwriter

Brian Duarte – lead guitar, steel guitar and acoustic, songwriter

Paul Ward – drums

Influences: Slim Whitman, Charlene Arthur, Patsy Cline, Janis Martin, Hank Williams Sr., Bob Wills, Bill Monroe, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Lefty Frizzell, Faron Young, Brenda Lee, Ernest Tubb, Webb Pierce and many other greats of honky tonk, rockabilly, hillbilly and western swing.

Sounds Like good ol’ traditional rockabilly and honky tonk! we do a mix of originals and covers.

Sonny Trujillo (Accordion) Sonny has been in the Tejano/Conjunto music scene for over 40 years. This gentleman is truly one of Austin’s finest and most sought after, musician and a great person to be around. His talent has brought out the best in our conjunto. Sonny is known throughout the U.S. as one of the best accordionist. He is respected as a true icon to the Tejano and Conjuntos in Texas and beyond. He has recorded for many groups. Ruben Ramos has often called on Sonny for many recordings. It is my great honor to have him onboard. Just recently Sonny recorded his 1st original polka and we all voted to name it “Sonny Boy Polka”.

Tim Torres (Sax and vocals) Tim is a true class act. Tim is Austin’s favorite gem, an Austin legend, and a well-known “Big Band” leader. Tim lights up a crowd with his many styles of music. He brings to our conjunto many styles such as Swing, Danzon, Country, and those killer Boleros. It’s a great pleasure and an honor to perform with Tim. With his over 40 years experience in the music business Tim still has that Midas touch. When Tim was 18 he played with the Nash Hernandez Orchestra along side my grandfather Manuel “POPS’ Limon. Tim will always have a special place in our hearts! Thanks Mr. Tim…

Amador Salazar (Bass and vocals) Amador grew up in Edinburg, Texas. He is Austin’s best kept secret-his singing is second to none. Amador brings a classy style of singing and has great stage showmanship. His personality is the same both on and off stage. Amador has been the backbone of the conjunto and I thank him for keeping faith in our project. When Amador smiles at you when he’s singing you feel that sincere warmth, he has that charm and seductive stage presences that I’ve only seen in likes of Elvis, Julio Iglesias, Selena, and George Strait. I hope one day he gets the recognition he deserves.

Marcelo Sanchez (Guitar and vocals) Marcelo, from Alice, Texas, has a true love for music. Marcelo brings that little thing that groups go for years looking for and never find it “Class”. I wasn’t looking for a guitar player for our conjunto, but when I heard him play and sing I had to make room in our Conjunto and rewrite parts to accommodate our newest member. His true Chicano feels for la onda and his love for the old standards (Ol’School) is what put our conjunto over the top. When you hear Marcelo play his guitar you’ll feel like you are in Chicago or New Orleans. He brings that good’ol sound down to Earth. Just “puro bad” es este carnal. Thanks Marcelo for finding us.

Julian L. Fernandez (Drums) I’m a true Austinite by way of Chicago. My job is music director, arranger, composer and business manager. With all the great talent in our Conjunto I am pleased to present our music to the world. It is an honor to have these great musicians. I often get compliments on our performances and selections. I come from a musical family that extends 4 generations. I often run into folks that know my family and the groups we used to play for. I thank you for your continued support and for making Los Texas Wranglers your choice. Our goal is to keep conjunto alive and educate the younger generation on the music our forefathers brought forth to us. “Keeping it Conjunto!”

“Keeping it Conjunto!”

I formed Los Texas Wranglers in October 1999. This is a project that I’m proud of. I wanted a Conjunto that Austin could be proud of and afford to hire. With the backing of great friends, families and local businesses it has been lots of fun. We’re climbing the mountain and so far have overcome the obstacles in our path. I have great musicians and we all have our own history in la onda with some of the great and famous Tejano stars. With that much experience in our Conjunto it has made this project very interesting. We have played in Chicago (3 times within the year) and in Richland and Kennewick, Washington in June 2004. I have been working hard at making this Conjunto known. Not everyone knows us, but the ones that do, keep our Conjunto going and that keeps making us a larger fan base. Los Texas Wranglers main focus is the audience and showing the younger generation how much fun conjunto music can be. National and international businesses have taken a chance with our project and helped us spread conjunto music to their distributors and outlets. With the help Brown Distributing (Bud and Bud-Light), we have performed for grocery store grand openings, played for fiestas, distinguished celebrities and politicians. With the help Wrangler Hats we’ve played for grand openings of new western wear stores in Chicago, Washington State, Austin, Dallas, Garland, San Antonio and Del Rio. It is a great feeling when you have the confidence and trust of companies like these. Recently, Crumrine Gold and Silversmiths in Reno, Nevada have endorsed us and are now another one of our international companies that we have the honor of being onboard. Wrangler Hats provides our cowboy hats, along with other products. Also, cowboy hats to give at our events, like to the best female cumbia dancer or the highest jumping male huapango dancer. We always have fun with our audience. Los Texas Wranglers and Puro Conjunto Records released “Llegaron Los Texas Wranglers” CD it has 14 songs of which 6 are original compositions of Los Texas Wranglers. Our style and image is a clean-cut western cowboy (caballero) type. Our own release “Texas Tradition” CD which has opened our market even more, with songs like; Yellow Rose of Texas, San Antonio Rose, Tennessee Waltz, Cielito Lindo, Ranch Grande and much more traditional Texas songs and original Conjunto songs. Fans have come to appreciate the good old boy Texas sound. We have had success in our selections of music; it’s been keeping us busy. Thank you very much for taking time and giving me this opportunity to introduce Los Texas Wranglers and myself.

Thank you, and “Keep it Conjunto”

Siempre Amigos

Julian Limon Fernandez

Michelle Yvette Lares, better known as Shelly Lares, had to grow up fast. She started her musical career at age 10. But that early experience has turned this San Antonio native into one of Tejano’s most professional and excellent performers.

“Touring is a part of my life, so I’m pretty used to it,” she says. “I haven’t known anything different.”So for the last two decades, she has been able to handle all the challenges of a music career, while keeping fans happy with her upbeat, feel-good Tejano music and her friendly nature.

She has been signed to Tejas Records since 2002 and recently gave her fans a treat with the CD, Encore, containing new versions of her greatest cumbias and rancheras of the past decade, such as “Ganas de Besarte,” “Soy tu Amor” and “Es Que Estoy Enamorada.”

Shelly’s trademark raspy voice makes her instantly recognizable. Not only is her voice one-of -a-kind, her music also avoids easy categorization. “We really don’t concentrate on what other bands are doing musically,” she says. “We try to keep our own fresh ideas and pay attention to what the fans write on the website and want from us. They keep us on our toes and we pay attention to their reactions at our shows.”

Shelly’s career has always been a family-oriented. Her father Fred managed her for many years and provided encouragement. He retired after a 1999 stroke, and her mother Irene stepped in to fill his shoes. Shelly gained the moniker “Little Miss Dynamite” early in her career and it stuck – she’s still petite (even more so now since losing over 42 pounds in the last 3 years) but full of energy (both on stage and off, where she hits the gym regularly).

The winner of eight Tejano Music Awards, including 2005 Female Vocalist and Female Entertainer of the Year, Shelly has worked hard to keep the rhythm of Tejano music going strong. She believes in Tejano, and is a wonderful ambassador for the music.

“I’ve seen its up and downs, but I still think there’s a lot of potential for Tejano music,” she say. “I believe so much in it, that I want to help keep it around.

Shelly Rann is a singer / songwriter who’s talent and hard work has finally caught the attention of the Nashville music industry and she stands ready to join the ranks of the great talents that have come before her. A Lexington, Ky. Native she has been in Nashville for the last five years writing with some of the best song writers Nashville has to offer including Gary Burr, Kent Blazy, Larry Cordle, and Mark Nessler. She has put together one of the most impressive collections of introspective songs that reflect the true artist she really is. As one of Nashville’s first call session singers she possesses one of the most beautiful, passionate, and expressive voices in music today. This is a complete talent with every aspect of her chosen field richly endowed.

Shelly is a brilliant performer gifted with charisma and a self-effacing sense of humor that immediately endears her to audiences everywhere. Her natural beauty and genuine country charm is disarming and she is ready for the couch on the Tonight Show or any other career opportunity that comes her way.

In her young career Shelly has managed to garnish many accolades and has been recognized many times over for her effort. The NBC network has acknowledged her songwriting gifts by using her songs on the award-winning prime time shows The West Wing and Third Watch. In her home state of Kentucky she has sold over 50,000 copies of independently produced CD’s. She has shared the stage with the likes of Keith Whitley, Waylon Jennings, Bill Monroe, and Alabama. In May of 2006 she performed for President Bush and 20,000 others to honor fallen officers at the National Fraternal Order of Police Memorial service.

Shelly has recently finished her first major studio album produced by Henry Paul (Blackhawk), Dale Oliver (Bucky Covington) and Michael Bush (Steve Carlton), writing 9 of the 11 songs. This new album is set to take Shelly to the next level and beyond.