El Second Weensdee" presents Polkas en el Piano with "Mela" B. Rodriguez
WHO: El Second Weensdee" presents Polkas en el Piano with "Mela" B. Rodriguez
WHO: The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center
WHAT: "El Second Weensdee" conjunto oral history series
WHEN: Wednesday June 14, 2006 7:00 PM
WHERE: NMCAC - 225 E. Stenger Street, San Benito, TX
The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center is proud to present a San Benito music pillar, Amelia "Mela" Balli Rodriguez at the next "El Second Weensdee." The evening's program entitled "Polkas en el Piano" refers to Ms. Rodriguez's enthusiasm and skill to perform traditional conjunto and ranchera music on that instrument. When she plays and sings these songs, she evokes the sounds and feelings of old Mexican movies of the golden era. This is truly a trip back in time and a rare opportunity and treat to hear live. Ms. Rodriguez taught herself to play the piano and guitar as a little girl in the late 1930's. She learned how to read music and made her own music books out of discarded maps her father gave her. She began teaching others and performing in family gatherings and churches. Now well past retirement age, she has taught music to hundreds of Valley residents. She is still an active teacher giving classes out of her home in San Benito. Ms. Rodriguez takes great pride in teaching and in passing on her love of music to her family and friends. "I do this not because I'm a great musician," says Ms. Rodriguez, "I just want to help others. I want old and young people to come out and listen to the music, to have something to do, to enrich their lives and to support organizations like the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center." Two of her sons, Omar and the late Barry Rodriguez, became professional musicians. According to writer Ray Dovita, if one wants to improve ones quality of life the easiest way to do so is spending fifteen minutes with Ms. Rodriguez. She has a captivating smile that is liable to appear unannounced, regardless of whether she is relating a joyful moment of her life or one of her various tragic episodes. Her life has been interrupted by several personal tragedies that would defeat a lesser person, but not Mela. In her ceaseless energy level she can bang out a rousing polka, a delightful chotis, smooth redovas or mellow valses. It is not possible to capture the magic and largess of this diminutive figure in the written word, she has to be experienced. Ms. Rodriguez will tell her story and perform with some special guest artists at the next "El Second Weensdee." One such artist will be a student she taught piano when he was only five years old - Rene Sandoval. Rene is now an accomplished jazz musician recognized widely for his saxophone playing. His wife, Minerva, will also join "the band" as well as another saxophonist, Tomas Ramirez, and vocalists and guitarists Rosa and Joe Perez. This will truly be a special night. "El Second Weensdee" is an oral history project featuring a local cultural treasure - conjunto music. Admission to the event is $5.00. The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center preserves, promotes and advances the rich cultural heritage of the "Mexicano" community through arts programming. For more information contact Cristina Balli at (956) 361-0110.
WHAT: "El Second Weensdee" conjunto oral history series
WHEN: Wednesday June 14, 2006 7:00 PM
WHERE: NMCAC - 225 E. Stenger Street, San Benito, TX
The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center is proud to present a San Benito music pillar, Amelia "Mela" Balli Rodriguez at the next "El Second Weensdee." The evening's program entitled "Polkas en el Piano" refers to Ms. Rodriguez's enthusiasm and skill to perform traditional conjunto and ranchera music on that instrument. When she plays and sings these songs, she evokes the sounds and feelings of old Mexican movies of the golden era. This is truly a trip back in time and a rare opportunity and treat to hear live. Ms. Rodriguez taught herself to play the piano and guitar as a little girl in the late 1930's. She learned how to read music and made her own music books out of discarded maps her father gave her. She began teaching others and performing in family gatherings and churches. Now well past retirement age, she has taught music to hundreds of Valley residents. She is still an active teacher giving classes out of her home in San Benito. Ms. Rodriguez takes great pride in teaching and in passing on her love of music to her family and friends. "I do this not because I'm a great musician," says Ms. Rodriguez, "I just want to help others. I want old and young people to come out and listen to the music, to have something to do, to enrich their lives and to support organizations like the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center." Two of her sons, Omar and the late Barry Rodriguez, became professional musicians. According to writer Ray Dovita, if one wants to improve ones quality of life the easiest way to do so is spending fifteen minutes with Ms. Rodriguez. She has a captivating smile that is liable to appear unannounced, regardless of whether she is relating a joyful moment of her life or one of her various tragic episodes. Her life has been interrupted by several personal tragedies that would defeat a lesser person, but not Mela. In her ceaseless energy level she can bang out a rousing polka, a delightful chotis, smooth redovas or mellow valses. It is not possible to capture the magic and largess of this diminutive figure in the written word, she has to be experienced. Ms. Rodriguez will tell her story and perform with some special guest artists at the next "El Second Weensdee." One such artist will be a student she taught piano when he was only five years old - Rene Sandoval. Rene is now an accomplished jazz musician recognized widely for his saxophone playing. His wife, Minerva, will also join "the band" as well as another saxophonist, Tomas Ramirez, and vocalists and guitarists Rosa and Joe Perez. This will truly be a special night. "El Second Weensdee" is an oral history project featuring a local cultural treasure - conjunto music. Admission to the event is $5.00. The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center preserves, promotes and advances the rich cultural heritage of the "Mexicano" community through arts programming. For more information contact Cristina Balli at (956) 361-0110.
