Posted on 02/27/2008 1:17:58 PM PST by SwinneySwitch
HOUSTON — A group of Hispanic leaders said Tuesday that Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officials haven't done enough to include Hispanics, so they are calling for a boycott of the three-week show that starts Monday.
"We request our friends across the whole state of Texas not to attend the Houston Livestock Show," said former state Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos.
Among complaints from the newly-formed group VIVE Tejano-Houston — made up of representatives from the Tejano music industry, Houston-area politicians and members of other professional organizations — is the type of performers at the show's main venue on Go Tejano Day.
Ruben Cubillos, co-founder of the group, said that they object to the hiring of non-Tejano performers to play at the show's main venue that day.
Leroy Shafer, the show's chief operating officer, said Go Tejano Day is about Hispanic culture, not just one type of music. This year's Go Tejano Day on March 16 will feature Duelo, a norteno band from Roma, and Los Horoscopos de Durango, a duranguense act from Chicago.
He said that a Tejano act won't take center stage because the genre's popularity has been waning. Tejano bands are scheduled to play on smaller stages.
Show organizers say this isn't the first time Go Tejano Day lacked a traditional Tejano artist on the main stage.
Boycott away, Gonzalo.
Senator Barritos is calling for a “Rope an Illegal” event.
Good.....more tacos for those who do attend.....
Where do I buy tickets?
How about they have a rope an illegal event?
Beat me to it.
There are many Hispanics that will attend and enjoy the Rodeo. There always has been since the beginning of the Rodeo in Texas.
We only hear from the ones who are upset about everything. I wish they would just shut up, they make it bad for all Hispanics.
Tejano is great music!
From the Travis county rodeo: “Where else can you see a kid ride an illegal?” (actually sheep)
If memory serves, there’s some Polka influence on this genre. Given that the duranguense band is from Chicago, maybe a similar influence will get in through the back door.
Feel free to correct me if I am wrong here. Those of you who actually keep the music going (as opposed to us melodists) tend to know these things.
Well, if they’re going to call it “Go Tejano Day” they ought to feature Tejano music. If they’re not going to do that, then change the name.
Granted it was the 60's but I don't remember any music, only the smells...
Good! Should make it easier for the “hispanic” people who want to see a rodeo. Unfortunately the Houston “rodeo” has become a high priced concert. I no longer have any interest in it.
I used to go to the one in Fort Worth. The kids showing animals there seemed to love it. I’m sure many if not all of them worked hard to get there and were thrilled if they took top prize.
I am going for sure now.
I’ve been listening to Tejano music since I posted earlier. There’s an internet station. It’s gotten more modern, but still fun. I prefer the older style Cojunto music with accordian. Flaco Jimenez forever! That’s the more polka style.
http://www.flacojimenezmusic.com/
I think I’ll have to come down from California.
hardihar, I don’t remember seeing those events at rodeos, but it is not a bad idea.
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