In conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month, on Sunday The Venue in Aurora will be presenting an educational lecture exploring the history of working-class Mexican music, followed by a performance of Tejano music and dancing.
The presentation by Dr. Alejandro Benavides, local author and retired educator, consists of a narrative and audio–visuals on the evolution of corrido music to present–day tejano music. This will be followed by a Tejano conjunto performance of numerous musical styles along with demonstrations of Tejano dances.
An Aurora Connection
People from Mexico started arriving in Aurora during the early 1900’s in search of the American Dream. They listened to traditional music from Mexico through radios and at local “Mexican dances.” Beginning in 1950, Americans of Mexican ancestry known as tejanos migrated from southern Texas to Aurora, many were former migrant–farm worker. Within a decade, tejanos formed a social club and established a community within Aurora that embraced and preserved tejano music as part of their culture. By the 1960s, a new era on Texas–Mexican conjunto grew in popularity with the blending of instruments and music forms, including jazz. Large conjunto orchestra performances became popular. New conjuntos and music styles grew in prominence as the Mexican–American population increased, especially in the Southwest. Tejano music remains popular in the Fox Valley and throughout the United States.
When: 6pm-8pm
Where: The Venue, 21 South Broadway in Aurora
Tickets: The evening is free. Registration is available here.
