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The Conjunto Showcase en Minnesota, launched earlier this year and funded primarily by grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, is set to celebrate Conjunto music culture with a series of events. This initiative aims to provide accessible Conjunto music to fans in the upper Midwest and showcase local Tejano/Conjunto acts, particularly those in Minnesota.
The program includes two small events in rural Minnesota towns and a large “Showcase” in St. Paul on October 19. The Showcase will feature performances by Minnesota-based groups Grupo Mio and Los Rebeldes, with a headlining performance from the renowned Los Texmaniacs.
While the event aims to celebrate Conjunto music in Minnesota, the program is growing with a mission to provide accessible Conjunto music to fans in the upper Midwest and to highlight local Tejano/Conjunto acts. The North Star state, known for music icons like Prince and Bob Dylan, also has a rich history of Conjunto and Tejano music. From the rural towns to the busy streets of the Twin Cities, musicians like St. Paul’s Grupo Mio and Los Rebeldes from Albert Lea continue to keep the tradition alive.
Throughout the 1940s to the 1990s, Conjunto music was an integral part of many lives in Minnesota. Migrant families who settled in the state brought with them the sounds of South Texas and Northern Mexico. Many were field workers and musicians who played music at dance halls on weekends. However, over the past 30+ years, the traditional sounds of Conjunto polkas, rancheras, and corridos have become harder to find. Musicians have struggled to find venues to host live Conjunto music, specifically in Minnesota.
With the support of the Minnesota State Arts Board, the Conjunto Showcase en Minnesota was launched to provide Minnesota-based musicians an opportunity to showcase their talents. The funding helps cover performance fees, venues, and other operational expenses, making Conjunto music accessible at a very low cost. Fans can now enjoy their favorite style of music without traveling far or paying high ticket prices.
The first Conjunto Showcase en Minnesota event was held on May 18 in St. James, Minnesota, where 44% of the population is Hispanic. A Mexican food truck was on-site as the crowd danced to the music of Tejano Avenue and Saul y Sus Tremendos. On September 26, the Showcase partnered with the Jackson Center for the Arts to hold a Fiesta Street Dance celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, featuring traditional foods, a salsa competition, and live music from Los Rebeldes.
The grand baile on October 19 in St. Paul will bring Conjunto lovers together for a night of celebration. Performances by Grupo Mio, Los Rebeldes, and Los Texmaniacs will highlight the event. Max and Josh Baca will also hold a special Conjunto workshop earlier that day, where attendees can learn about the history and traditions of Conjunto music and enjoy a live duo performance.
Minnesota still has Conjunto musicians and fans who need a place to play and dance. The Conjunto Showcase en Minnesota serves as a conduit, bringing fans to the music. Support the Conjunto Showcase en Minnesota and follow the journey at ConjuntoShowcase.com. Inquiries can be sent to ConjuntoShowcase@gmail.com.
Our communities deserve more access to their traditions, and for many, those traditions include Conjunto music.
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