[6/21] Preview: Big Band Tejano at Onion Creek Ballroom

On Father’s Day, Sunday June 21, Big Band Tejano continues its Sunday tardeadas at the Onion Creek Ballroom. The Austin band will fill the Southside event center with the sweet sounds of big brass section, Texas-sized vocals, and shuffling feet on the hardwood floor.

Big Band Tejano is a horn-driven band in the tradition of the great orquestas of the 1960s and ’70s, and features seasoned veteran players with impressive resumes, including bandleader Felipe Borrero. Fans of Alfonso Ramos y Su Orquesta, Nash Hernandez Orchestra, Augustin Ramirez, Tortilla Factory, Latin Breed, Joe Bravo, or Ruben Ramos and the Mexican Revolution (just to name a few) will enjoy the super sounds of this mega-talented group.

I interviewed Felipe and veteran sax player Fred Soto on my KOOP radio show a couple weeks back. I posted it on Soundcloud and it’s worth a listen if you love Tejano music history and also want to know more about the band. Felipe and Fred were fantastic guests who really know their stuff, and it was a lot of fun getting to know more about them.

Long story short: These guys really put a show with a sound that’s hard to replicate. Great voices, lots of sax and trumpets, and a truckload full of soul. Well worth the cover and the drive, especially if you love the horns of classic Tejano.

The Onion Creek Ballroom is located at 9941 Old Lockhart Hwy., near Slaughter and I-35. According to their website, “from IH 35 take exit #227 and turn east on Slaughter Lane. Go approximately 1 ½ miles to Old Lockhart Hwy and turn right. Go approximately ¾ of a mile. The Ballrooms are on your left.”

The show starts at 2 p.m. $12 cover. All ages are welcome. Join the Facebook event here.