26th Annual Tejano Music Awards.

Texas Talent Musicians Association (TTMA), producers of the annual Tejano Music Awards, recently held the 26th Annual Tejano Music Awards on Saturday, March 18, 2006 at the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass, Texas.

A Red Carpet Reception featuring numerous Tejano Artists and Bands initiated the evening’s festivities. This year’s Tejano Music Awards were again hosted by Tejano music sensation and Eagle Pass native, Gary Hobbs. Other co-hosts included radio celebrities, Stephanie Lynn and Patty Lopez.

Winners of the various Awards included, Jimmy Gonzalez y Grupo Mazz for Song of the Year “Corazon De Fiero”, Male Vocalist of the Year, Jay Perez; Female Vocalist of the Year, Shelly Lares; Male Entertainer of the Year, Jay Perez; Female Entertainer of the Year, Shelly Lares; Album of the Year-Tejano, “Mejor Que Nunca” Jimmy Gonzalez y Grupo Mazz; Album of the Year – Conjunto Traditional, “El Zurdo de Oro”, Michael Salgado; Album of the Year – Conjunto Progressive, “Milagro”, La Tropa F; Album of the Year – Urban Tejano, “Prisoner of the Honky Tonk”, Vida; Crossover Song of the Year, “Hey Boy”, Las 3 Divas – comprised of Stephanie Montiel, Elida Reyna and Shelly Lares; Vocal Duo of the Year – Jimmy Gonzalez & KC Zavala – Jimmy Gonzalez y Grupo Mazz; Most Promising Band, La Fuerza and Show band of the Year, GrupoVida.

Awards Show performers included Jay Perez, Stephanie Montiel, Los Texmaniacs, AT Boyz, The Latin Breed featuring Adalberto, Gary Hobbs, DJ Kane, Jimmy Gonzalez y Grupo Mazz, Rebecca Valadez, Avizzo with Augustine Ramirez and Laurita.

The special Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to the Royal Jesters. The Royal Jesters dominated the 1960’s and 1970’s with numerous English language pop and Tejano hits. The group was represented by two of its original members, Oscar Lawson and Henry Hernandez. Per Oscar Lawson, “Receiving this award is something we highly cherish as it validates our years of work and represents the music that we love.” Added Mr. Lawson, “It was always our pleasure to perform in front of our fans because we always enjoyed what we were doing.”

According to Mr. Robert Arellano, Chairman of TTMA, “The 26th Annual Awards Show was one of the most exciting and entertaining shows. It was a reflection of the incredible talent that exists today in this music genre and that lives strongly in the hearts of Tejano Music lovers everywhere throughout the United States.” Added Arellano, “The Tejano Music Awards continue to serve as the only forum by which Tejano artists and the music are recognized and is why TTMA is committed to serving the Tejano music industry.” Earlier that day, a Tejano Artist Autograph session was held at Mall de las Aguilas and was attended by hundreds of Tejano fans.