Reviews

Those who don't think Tejano artists bank on an image just as much as any other mainstream pop, rock or Latin band should have spent a long spell Saturday night at the big Tejano music dance.

REX C. CURRY/Special Contributor

San Antonio native Joe Posada and his five- piece band performed Saturday at the Dallas Convention Center for the Tejano Music National Convention.

The multi-act shindig, part of the 2008 Tejano Music National Convention, filled a humungous hall inside the Dallas Convention Center. And just about every performer that took the stage during the first 2 ½ hours had a signature look, one that seamlessly blended with the sound.

Take San Antonio native Joe Posada, for example. He's the sax man who merges jazz with old-school Tejano. Onstage he was decked out in a dapper black suit, white shirt, pink tie and a fedora hat. His shiny, golden saxophone constantly hung from a strap around his neck. That elegant demeanor matched his music.

His five-piece band featured accordionist Sunny Sauceda, who worked the squeezebox in his trademark jeans, black T-shirt and two-toned biker gloves. Add his bald head, dark goatee and sunglasses for an imposing stance, even if the guy's not exactly tall.

A side note: Vocalists Joe Jama, one of the original members of the Royal Jesters, and David Marez, the robust singer from Tejano's '90s glory days, were guests during Mr. Posada's set.

Speaking of guests, Los Garcia Brothers popped back onto the platform to close out the stint by the Hometown Boys. Both groups were part of a conjunto one-two punch. Conjunto, the more organic, country cousin to Tejano's slicker urban style, is both rhythmic and rugged.

Los Garcia Brothers, always splashy in those colorful zoot suits, especially the bassist and lead vocalist who loves wearing a tall feather in his hat, are super cool to watch. During "Pachuco," a staple from the outfit's repertoire, the quartet slid and swayed to the heavy accordion beat.

They had the unfortunate luck of opening the event, which was slowly filling up as they performed. But make no mistake, the folks that were there hit the hardwood floor immediately. Some stood at the foot of the stage, too. They were moving, though. Los Garcia's blend of accordion, drum, bass and acoustic guitar is designed for dancing.