Villarreal: I had a good run with Emilio, we were already touring in Monterrey, and I had a lot of connections. So that's something that I learned along the way from them.įestiva: What led to the formation of Grupo Rodeo in 1993 and why that name? He was right, his concept was correct, that what the people want to hear on the radio is just something that's going to be catchy enough, simple enough so they can dance, drink, and all that good stuff. Basically his concept was, "we're trying to make music that was commercial." That's always been what's stuck with me. He liked the fact that I could play sax and keyboard, so he gave me the job.Īs far as learning, I learned a lot of stuff from Emilio. I went ahead and took my sax, just in case. He was looking for a keyboard player and I went to audition. By '89 he had a band and I was the last member to join the band. From what time period where you with Navaira, and what did you take away from your time there? That was my beginning.įestiva: I heard that you played sax, keyboard, and arranged music with Emilio Navaira. At 13, I started playing professionally with my dad and my uncle. That got started by listening to my dad, and wanting to be just like him. His brother had a orchestra by the name of Grupo Villarreal. Villarreal: My father was a musician himself, he used to play with his brother. The leader of Grupo Rodeo took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to talk about his lengthy Tejano career.įestiva: How did you get started in Tejano music? All this available to our members and their guest.Īnd who knows? Maybe the future will hold openings of other clubs, promising good times - good friends and fond memories.San Antonio's Frank "Pancho" Villarreal returns to the Valley tonight, at the Gaslight Club in McAllen. I have been affiliated with the O'Hare Gaslight Club since 1974 in various positions and I am proud to say we have retained the posh opulence, replete with distinctive wallpaper, carpeting, a European Crystal Chandelier and of course, The Gaslight Girls. Browne said years ago Beauty, charm and talent make a winning combination. Although the speakeasy has evolved to the "Top Hat" and Dixieland Jazz is now mixed with a variety of live entertainment, the tradition of beautifully costumed servers with a song and a smile, has remained. However, slowly all the Clubs were phased out and only the The O"Hare Club is still in existence. became the owner and brought the Clubs back to there plush ambiance. O'Hare opened in 1973, and still the openings continued.Īfter Burton Browne's death in 1976, Robert Fredricks, a then member of the Board, took the reins until 1984 when long-time member Jim Roberts Jr. Next came Washington's Club in 1959 and on to Paris in 1961. Elizabeth Taylor was New York's favorite Gaslight Girl while filming scenes there for Butterfield 8, for which she won and Academy Award. The fun was contagious and in 1956 the New York Club opened it's doors in a plush old mansion. There were 300 invited guest at the first grand opening and what a success! Initial members set up extra tables and even the Liquor Commission for the state of Illinois helped behind the bar and this was only the beginning. Inspired by the nostalgia of the zany 20's, they stepped back in time to another fabulous period, complete with Dixieland Jazz, drinks served in coffee mugs, a slot in the door - "Speakeasy" come to mind? The ambiance of this era had again come alive - The Gaslight Club was born. Enhanced by the rare combination of relaxation and entertainment, one could enjoy the excellent Bill of Fare and toast the evening with vintage wine or a generous cocktail. 1953 was the year when in one small room on Chicago's Gold Coast, Burton Browne and a select few, re-created the "Good Old Days" of the early 1900's.
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