Tejano legend Ruben “El Gato Negro” Ramos will be performing at KXCI Presents 2nd Annual Baila el Pueblo – A Desert Music Festival in advance of the release of his latest album Los Días de Calor, co-produced by Austin-based Carrie Rodriguez and local maestro Sergio Mendoza. Ramos will take the stage to perform songs from the new release alongside fan favorites, joined by Rodriguez, Mendoza and an all-star band of friends.
The 10-piece band will feature 86-year-old legendary vocalist Ruben “El Gato Negro” Ramos, who will be coming in from Austin, along with celebrated violinist and singer Carrie Rodriguez and accordion player Rick Fuentes. Acclaimed band leader Sergio Mendoza will be joined by local favorite Brian Lopez, an outstanding rhythm section from Hermosillo and Nogales, and local trumpet legends Jacob Valenzuela and Rick Peron. This will be a rare opportunity to see a legend flanked by an outstanding cast of musicians from Texas, Tucson and Sonora!
The spark to bring these artists together for Baila el Pueblo comes from hearing Ruben Ramos’ upcoming album on Cosmica Records–Los Días de Calor–co-produced by Carrie Rodriguez and Sergio Mendoza. It is such a beautiful and moving body of work, voices and music! At times, the songs reminded me of the Buena Vista Social Club album when Ry Cooder honored the Cuban musicians, especially legendary Compay Segundo. That album really brought a new perspective to the music while honoring the tradition and legendary voices. I feel the same way about this album. It has a completely classic and respectful feel that showcases Mr. Ramos while also bringing in a fresh energy and vibe. Compay Segundo was also in his late 80s when the BVSC album was made, and I expect and hope this will be a late-period high mark in Mr. Ramos career as well. Bravo!
Ruben Ramos, known as El Gato Negro, is a Grammy Award-winning Tejano legend whose career spans over seven decades. A proud member of a multigenerational musical family, Ramos rose to fame as frontman of The Mexican Revolution, a band rooted in Chicano pride and cultural empowerment. In 1998, he was inducted into both the Pura Vida and Tejano Music Awards Halls of Fame. He earned his first Grammy in 1999 as part of the all-star group Los Super Seven, and a second in 2009 with The Mexican Revolution for Best Tejano Album. With two Grammy wins, countless recordings, and a public sculpture in Austin honoring his contributions, Ramos remains a defining voice in Tejano and Texas music history.
Carrie Rodriguez, a composer, violinist, and singer from Austin, Texas, finds beauty in the cross-pollination of diverse traditions. She melds fiery fiddle playing, electrifying vocals, and a fresh interpretation of new and classic songs with an “Ameri-Chicana” attitude.
Sergio Mendoza is an acclaimed producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist who leads Orkesta Mendoza and is a core member of Calexico. Mendoza is a southern Arizona native and Latin music pioneer, known for his collaborations with the likes of Devotchka, Camilo Lara, Los Ángeles Azules, Mexrrissy and many more.
Learn more about all of the Baila el Pueblo artists and buy tickets here.
Written by KXCI Music Director and Festival Curator Duncan Hudson.
