SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio’s Cultural Arts Center is gearing up for a special celebration of the legendary conjunto music artist Leonardo “Flaco” Jiménez at an upcoming music festival this Sunday. This event holds particular significance as it takes place nearly a year after Jiménez’s passing on July 31, 2022, at the age of 86.
The Tejano Conjunto Festival, recognized as the longest-running conjunto festival in the United States, will host its 44th annual event from May 14-17. This festival is a celebration of the vibrant music and culture of the Tejano community, and it promises to bring together fans from all over.
The festivities will kick off on Thursday at the Royal Palace Ballroom, located at 3506 SW Military Drive, with a special offer of free admission for seniors. The excitement continues from Friday to Sunday at Rosedale Park, where attendees can enjoy performances from over 30 different bands, including local high school conjunto groups.
Fans can look forward to a heartfelt tribute to Flaco Jiménez on Sunday night starting at 8 p.m. This tribute will feature notable performances from Los Texmaniacs, Flaco’s brother Santiago Jiménez Jr., and international musicians from Mexico, Spain, Japan, and the Netherlands, according to a festival spokesperson.
Flaco Jiménez was a pivotal figure in Tejano music, renowned for his accordion skills as part of bands like the Texas Tornados and Los Super Seven. His famed accordion solos are immortalized in songs such as the “San Antonio National Anthem,” “(Hey Baby) Que Paso.” His influence on the genre is undeniable.
Flaco Jimenez performs at the Paradiso in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on March 30, 1989. (photo by Frans Schellekens/Redferns) (1989 Frans Schellekens)
“I believe this is one of the best and most diverse musical line-ups we’ve had at the TCF in a long time. I’m thrilled,” said festival founder Juan Tejeda in a news release. “No other tribute to Flaco has brought together as many international artists to honor him.”
For those interested in attending, day pass wristbands for the festival are priced between $15 to $25 for Friday through Sunday. A full weekend wristband pass is available for $50, with an additional $10 fee for replacements.
