CATHEDRAL CITY – Now in its third year, the Tejano Music Fest is proving its undeniable value to this community. The first year, about 1,000 attended. By the second year, word of mouth helped attract about, 1,500 people, according to Christopher Parman, communications/events manager.

This year, the beloved Tejano Music Fest is expected to draw more than 2,000 people, Parman said.

With those attendees comes revenue to the city. In 2018, the economic impact of the Tejano Music Fest to  the local economy was $76,200, Parman told Uken Report.

The third annual Tejano Music Fest, presented by Libra crafted by HOTN, showcases the music, food, and culture of Mexican-Americans whose families originate from south, central, and west Texas and now call California home.

The festival takes place on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Sports Pavilion at Big League Dreams Sports Park, 33-700 Date Palm Drive in Cathedral City.

Tejano music brings together various forms of folk and popular music originating among the Mexican-American populations of Texas. It has the essence of both English and Spanish lyrics and a mix of pop, country and polka music. One of the genre’s major cross-over artists was the late “Selena” who was nicknamed, “The Queen of Tejano.”

Additionally, the late Lalo Guerrero, “Father of Chicano Music” and former resident of Cathedral City, was inducted into the Tejano Music Hall of Fame in 1992.

Tejano and Grammy Award-winning bands will be the featured artists including Los 2G’s with Ruben Garza and Hector Gonzalez, Grupo Atrapado, and Tejano Highway 281 – all coming to California from Texas. Additionally, the local Tejano favorite band, Grupo Uniko, will kick-off the music festival starting at 5 p.m. and rising Tejano star Karlos Saucedo will sing the national anthem during the opening ceremony.

“Tejano music has a historical connection with the Coachella Valley,” Josie Diaz, president of Diaz Enterprises said in a prepared statement. “Back in the 1960s and 1970s, a wave of Tejanos moved to California in order to work in the fields of our local farms. These families settled in California and have become part of our diverse community bringing with them their music, food, art, and culture. This festival celebrates them and their cultural gifts to our community.”

Besides the music and dance, attendees will have an opportunity to enjoy Tejano-inspired food and beverages, and shop from local merchandisers.
The festival offers a limited number of tickets for reserved tables for those who want a guaranteed seat between dances. Reserve your seat by clicking here.

Those who purchase a VIP or Tejano Reserved Table will have access to the Stadium Club offering its own air-conditioned bar and a meet and greet with the award-winning bands. Reserved tables are not necessary as the music festival is a free event being offered by the city of Cathedral City. There will also be a limited number of picnic tables and high-top tables available on a first-come, first-available basis.

Admission to the festival and parking are free.

Attendees can also receive a special hotel discount from the event’s host hotels, Holiday Inn Express – Cathedral City and DoubleTree Golf Resort by Hilton by going to the festival website, by clicking here.

On Friday, Oct. 11, there will be a “Tejano Kick Off Pool Party.”

Bring your swimsuit and cowboy hat for the Tejano Kick Off Pool Party on Friday, Oct. 11 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, 36101 Date Palm Drive in Cathedral City.

Enjoy entertainment by Tejano Lipps, Kalifazz Radio, Karlos Saucedo, and Bohemio. Cathedral City’s El Portal Mexican Restaurant will be onsite for food and beverages for purchase.

Entry is $10 at door (cash). Limited occupancy. Holiday Inn Express hotel guests receive free entry with room key.

Photos and video courtesy of City of Cathedral City. 

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  • Tejano Music Fest: City of Cathedral City