Los Tesores de San Antonio Delight Denver Audience…

Denver was in for a real treat at the opening of the 15th Annual Chicano Music Festival.
In their 90’s and 80’s these famous women singers came to Denver as part of their musical resurgence and they loved every minute they were on stage performing with Mariachi Vasquez.

They were there for the debut of a film that tells their life’s stories. Also in Denver for the debut were the producers of the movie Jesse Borrego, A Hollywood star in his own right, along with his brother James Borrego and filmmaker Jorge Sandoval.

The evening started with a beautiful set of music provided by Denver’s own Mariachi Vasquez. Then their Mariachi had the honor of accompanying “Las Tesoros de San Antonio”, the original, sultry songstresses of San Antonio.

The first to perform was Beatriz “La Paloma del Norte” Llamas….Beatriz is the youngest of the three and was the first Tejana to perform in Madison Square Garden, New York City. Her songs, along with her traditional pink reboso and embroidered dress, delighted the crowd

Next up was Blanca “Blanquita Rosa” Rodriguez. “Blanquita“, hailing from San Antonio’s westside, belted out her signature cancion, “La Chancla”. She revved up the crowd and out came the “gritos.” Blanca also dazzled the audience with her dazzling, sequined ensembles and left them wanting more.

Blanca provided the audience with a beautiful introduction of Rita “La Calandria” Vidaurri. As Rita took the stage, the audience could easily see why Blanca introduced her as “la Mera Mera.” Along with her “chistes“, “La Calandria” lit up the entire space.

Las Tesoros de San Antonio tells the stories and legacies of four South Texas singers of yesteryear. Rita “La Calandria” Vidaurri, Blanquita Rodriguez “Blanca Rosa”, Beatriz “La Paloma del Norte” Llamas, and Anita Janet Cortez “La Perla Tapatia”

Through their stories and music the audience learns how these women began their careers in a male dominated industry to become successful singer/performers nationally and internationally.

The Chicano Music Festival continues through Sunday July 30th

Photos by Joe Contreras, Latin Life Denver Media