Texas Southmost College Kicks Off Centennial Celebration With Free Conjunto Fest Featuring Michael Salgado, Sunny Sauceda + more

Texas Southmost College (TSC) is set to officially launch its yearlong Centennial Celebration with a vibrant and culturally rich Conjunto Festival on Saturday, January 17, 2026, inviting the entire community to gather for a free, family-friendly day of music, tradition, and togetherness.

Held on TSC’s historic Brownsville campus, the festival marks the first of many events honoring the college’s 100-year legacy as a cornerstone of education and opportunity in the Rio Grande Valley. From emerging student musicians to legendary headliners, the Conjunto Festival reflects TSC’s deep commitment to education, culture, and community engagement.

Headlining the Centennial Kickoff

The evening concert lineup will be led by Michael Salgado, one of the most influential figures in modern Conjunto music. Known for his virtuosic accordion style and chart-topping career, Salgado’s performance is expected to be a major highlight of the celebration, bringing his signature energy and South Texas sound to the Centennial stage.

Also making a special headliner appearance is Sunny Sauceda, a three-time Grammy Award winner and newly announced Deputy Director of Texas Folklife. Sauceda’s presence adds both star power and cultural significance to the event, bridging tradition and innovation while celebrating the music that defines the region.

Celebrating Tradition, Students, and Community

By centering its Centennial kickoff around Conjunto music, Texas Southmost College pays tribute to a genre deeply rooted in the history and identity of South Texas. The festival showcases a blend of student-centered competitions and acclaimed performers, symbolizing the college’s role in nurturing both education and cultural heritage.

Guests can enjoy live music throughout the day, along with food vendors, a beer garden, and fireworks, creating a festive atmosphere for attendees of all ages. Lawn chairs are welcome, allowing families and friends to comfortably enjoy the performances. Outside food, beverages, and tents will not be permitted, as a variety of on-site options will be available.

Conjunto Festival Schedule of Events

Saturday, January 17, 2026

11:00 AM – Battle by the Rio: Student Duo Competition
📍 SET-B Lecture Hall (711 Ringgold Rd.)

12:00 PM – Battle by the Rio Finals
📍 Amphitheater (2110 Gorgas Dr.)

3:00 PM – Alize Niño
3:30 PM – Los Fresnos Conjunto Halcón
4:00 PM – La Lexxion
5:00 PM – Fruty Villarreal y Los Mavericks
6:00 PM – Gilberto Perez Jr. y Sus Compadres
7:00 PM – Grupo Destacado
8:00 PM – Tejano Boys
8:45 PM – Fireworks
9:00 PM – Program & Student Competition Awards
9:30 PM – Michael Salgado
✨ Special headliner appearance by Sunny Sauceda
📍 South Lawn (2001 Gorgas Dr.)

A Century of Impact

For nearly a century, Texas Southmost College has played a vital role in expanding access to affordable education while remaining deeply connected to the cultural fabric of the Rio Grande Valley. The Conjunto Festival not only honors that legacy but also sets an inviting, celebratory tone for the many Centennial events still to come.

For more information on TSC’s Centennial Celebration, visit the TSC Centennial website.

📅 Saturday, January 17, 2026
🎶 Free & open to the public
📍 Texas Southmost College – Brownsville, TX

Celebrate 100 years of education, culture, and community—through the music that tells South Texas’ story.

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