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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2005
Contact:
, Austin Public Library, (512) 974-7528
Fax: (512) 974-7442
Council Members Raul Alvarez & Danny Thomas to
Co-Host Event to Support East Austin Music Project
Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at Nuevo Leon Restaurant, 1501 E. 6th St., from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Austin, TX - Council Members Raul Alvarez and Danny Thomas will co-host an event entitled “The Roots of the Live Music Capital,” a free concert to support the development of the Cepeda Music Garden. The project is sponsored by the Austin Public Library Foundation and is intended to recognize the contribution of East Austin musicians and to raise awareness about this important aspect of the City’s musical history.
“African-American and Latino musicians were an integral part of the Austin music scene long before Austin was dubbed the ‘Live Music Capital of the World,’ said Council Member Raul Alvarez. “In a very real sense, these musicians helped build Austin’s reputation for live music and should be duly recognized.”
Through the Cepeda Music Garden project the chain link fence surrounding the Eustacio Cepeda Branch of the Austin Public Library, located at Southeast corner of the intersection of E. 7th St. and Pleasant Valley Rd. will be replaced with a new masonry fence that will serve as a “wall of fame” for the East Austin musicians as well as improve the outward appearance of the library site itself. The master plan for the project also includes improved landscaping, pedestrian amenities and a small amphitheater.
An exciting aspect of this proposal is that it provides an opportunity to honor both African-American and Latino artists. This cross-cultural aspect of the proposal is important because East Seventh Street has always been a significant corridor for both communities. “This project presents a unique opportunity to celebrate history as we work to preserve it and to build unity between the African-American and Latino communities,” said Council Member Danny Thomas.
The event will feature a performance by Ernest Perez and Ruben Perez, former band leaders from the 1950’s (see artist biographies below). The concert will take place on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at Nuevo Leon Restaurant, 1501 E. 6th St., from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Grammy award winning artist, Ruben Ramos, will serve as an honorary host for the event. The event is free and open to the public.
Sponsors for this event include: Austin Public Library Foundation, Austin Energy, Camp Dresser & McKee, Capital Metro Transportation Authority, Cotera & Reed Architects, EarthTech, Greater Austin Transportation Company (Yellow Cab), H.E.B., Pedro S.S. Services, Perry Lorenz, SBC, Texas Gas Service, URS and Wells Fargo.
A Brief Biography for Ruben and Ernest Perez
Ruben Rangel Perez and Ernest Rangel “Neto” Perez are popular and talented musicians who have performed inside and outside the Central Texas area for over 50 years. Ruben Perez was born in Bastrop, County on July 7, 1923 and Ernest Perez was born in Elgin, Texas on September 6, 1931 to a musical family. Their father Blas Perez played guitar and violin, and their mother Sara Rangel Perez played the guitar. Blas’ brothers from Houston and Sara’s brothers (the Rangels) also from Houston were well known musicians. Ruben and Ernest started playing music at parties and weddings at an early age with a band formed by their father and several of their uncles. They recall that in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s the entire band would get paid five or six dollars per musician for a performance.
Ruben Perez served in World War II and upon his return in 1943 became the guitar player for Justin Perez and the ex-G.I.’s band. Shortly thereafter, the name of the band was changed to Ruben Perez y su Orquesta. Several prominent local musicians such as Alfonso Ramos and Manuel Donley played with Ruben Perez’ Orchestra.
Ernest Perez served in the U.S. army during the Korean conflict and returned to Austin in 1953. He moved to Fort Worth in 1954 to find work to support his family. In 1955, he formed his first orchestra, Ernest Perez y su Orquesta, in Fort Worth. Upon his return to Austin in 1958, he formed a smaller orchestra that performed locally.
In addition to performing in the same bands and directing their own individual Tejano orchestras, Ruben and Ernest Perez have performed on several occasions with their cousins and local legends Alfonso and Ruben Ramos. Alfonso & Ruben Ramos’ mother and Ruben & Ernest Perez’ father are first cousins.
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