Emilio Navaira Tribute Show ‘Shoot It!’ Brings Grupo Rio Back Together at Longhorn Icehouse

DALLAS, TX — Fans of Emilio Navaira will gather this Saturday night (May 16) at Longhorn Icehouse for a special tribute concert celebrating the life and legacy of the late Tejano superstar, 10 years after his passing.

The event, titled “Shoot It!”, reunites members of Emilio’s original backing band, Grupo Rio, for a high-energy performance featuring many of the timeless Tejano and country hits that made Emilio one of the most influential entertainers in Latin music history. The tribute will also feature vocalist Roel Martinez carrying the spirit and energy of Emilio’s legendary live performances.

Named after Emilio’s famous onstage catchphrase, “Shoot It!” promises an evening of dancing, nostalgia, and celebration at the Dallas venue widely promoted as DFW’s newest party headquarters.

Emilio Navaira, affectionately known as El Rey del Rodeo and often called the “Garth Brooks of Tejano,” rose to fame in the 1980s as lead vocalist for David Lee Garza y Los Musicales before launching his own groundbreaking solo career with Grupo Rio in 1989. Throughout the 1990s, he became one of the biggest names in Tejano music, helping bring the genre into the mainstream alongside Selena. 

Navaira’s crossover success into country music further elevated his career, earning national television appearances, major tours with artists like George Strait and Alan Jackson, Grammy recognition, and a devoted fanbase across the United States and Mexico. His signature blend of Tejano, country, rock, and pop influences helped redefine the genre for a new generation. 

Even after his passing in 2016 at age 53, Emilio’s influence continues to resonate throughout Tejano music. His sons, Diego Navaira and Emilio Navaira IV, have continued the family’s musical legacy through their Tex-Mex rock band, The Last Bandoleros, while younger generations of the Navaira family continue to carry the torch in the Tejano scene, including two-time Tejano Music Awards Female Vocalist of the Year Destiny Navaira.

Born and raised on San Antonio’s South Side, Emilio Navaira became one of the most celebrated artists in Tejano history. Known for his charismatic stage presence, powerful vocals, and crossover appeal, he won Grammy and Latin Grammy awards while dominating the Tejano Music Awards throughout the 1990s. His hits blended conjunto roots with country, rock, and pop influences, creating a signature sound that earned him the nickname “The Garth Brooks of Tejano.” 

Grupo Rio served as Emilio Navaira’s original backing band during the launch of his solo career and helped define the energetic live sound that made his concerts legendary among Tejano fans. The musicians behind Grupo Rio were instrumental in shaping many of Emilio’s biggest recordings and unforgettable stage performances throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. The “Shoot It!” tribute concert reunites members connected to those iconic performances to honor Emilio’s enduring musical legacy. 

Tejano vocalist Roel Martinez joins the tribute performance as featured lead singer for “Shoot It!” Martinez has built a reputation as a dynamic live performer with deep roots in Tejano music over an 30-year career and a passion for preserving the spirit of classic Tejano entertainment. His performance with Grupo Rio aims to recreate the excitement, energy, and emotion Emilio Navaira fans remember from the superstar’s legendary live shows.

The tribute concert takes place Saturday night at Longhorn Icehouse, located at 1901 W. Northwest Highway in Dallas. For reservations and additional information, visit Longhorn Icehouse or call 972-707-0884.

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