National Tejano Music Convention @ Las Vegas.

The National Tejano Music Convention & Vegas Revue is scheduled for August 13-15 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Over 2,500 delegates will be in attendance.

The inaugural three-day convention sponsored by Countrywide Home Loans, Southwest Airlines, Gibson Guitars, and BNET Radio.Com, serves as a “meeting ground” to convene the Tejano music industry and its national fan-base to discuss current issues, trends, and set forth a platform that will work towards the growth of the music.

“The convention will play a vital role in reenergizing this genre of music, not seen since Selena was alive,” said David Chavez, convention producer. “The historic significance of ‘la musica Tejana’ and its contributions as an American art form have been profound and should be cultivated and preserved.”

Convention highlights include seminars for artists and management in the areas of publicity and music distribution and a panel discussion bringing together artists, record label representatives, promoters, and media to address the current state of Tejano music. In addition, a Tejano radio format program directors summit will be held as well as a “Tejano Experience” expo uniting artists with their respective fan base. An accordion master class series will provide “tips of the trade” to enhance accordion players skills and a debut of acclaimed independent filmmaker Hector Galan’s upcoming PBS special Visiones, Latino Art and Culture: Life After Selena will close out the conference.

The 2004 Vegas Revue, held nightly in conjunction with the convention, will showcase “the best of the best” top recording artists in historic performances in a Vegas-style extravaganza. Scheduled performers include Grammy Award-winners Flaco Jimenez, Little Joe Y La Familia, Ruben Ramos & The Mexican Revolution, Emilio Navaira Y Grupo Rio, Max Baca, and Bob Gallarza. Other scheduled performers include: Ram Herrera, The Latin Breed, Adalberto, Chente Barrera, David Lee Garza Y Los Musicales, Sunny Ozuna, Elida, Shelly Lares, Vida, Roberto Pulido, David Marez, Johnny Hernandez, Stefani Montiel, Joel Guzman, and Alfonso Ramos.