Texas Latino Celebrates Tejano Legacy, New Music Ahead of Free Fourth of July Weekend Concert in Katy

For more than three decades, Texas Latino has remained one of Tejano music’s most respected and innovative bands. As the award-winning group prepares to kick off the Fourth of July weekend with a free concert in Katy, Texas, founder, keyboardist, and producer Severo “Sevy” Contreras is reflecting on the band’s remarkable journey, the music that continues to inspire them, and the legacy they hope to leave behind.

A Brotherhood That Has Lasted 35 Years

Originally formed in San Antonio in 1993, Texas Latino was assembled from accomplished musicians who had performed with influential Tejano groups including Culturas, Grupo Sol, and Tiger Diaz. Since then, the band has earned a reputation for polished musicianship, rich vocal harmonies, dynamic horn arrangements, and a modern yet traditional Tejano sound.

Contreras, who founded the band at just 19 years old, remains the lone original member.

“I’m the original owner and founder of Texas Latino,” he shared. “I’m the only one that’s left, actually. It started when I was 19 years old… and here we are 34, 35 years later.”

Despite lineup changes over the decades, the band’s chemistry remains one of its greatest strengths.

“We’re very, very blessed to have a band that we all respect each other as brothers on the road,” Contreras said. “We all look out for each other. I call it a brothership band.”

Today, Texas Latino features seven members and is fronted by award-winning vocalist Gabe Rivera.

The Story Behind the Name

Contreras also revealed how the band’s now-iconic name came to be.

Originally, the group considered names like “Little Texas” and simply “Texas.” However, legendary producer Manny Guerra offered another suggestion.

“He came in and said, ‘Hey guys, y’all are going to be called Texas Latino,'” Contreras recalled. “We were like, ‘Oh, I like the way that sounds.’ Ever since then, thanks to Manny for a great name.”

Songwriting Inspired by Real Life

As one of the band’s principal songwriters, Contreras says inspiration often comes unexpectedly.

“Sometimes things come up in a dream,” he said. “You wake up and start writing stuff down.”

Rather than relying solely on personal experiences, Contreras often draws inspiration from the stories shared by friends and family.

One example is “Mi Princesa,” a heartfelt father-daughter ballad inspired by a close friend’s unconditional love for his daughter.

“It kind of inspired me to write ‘Mi Princesa,'” he explained. “Little things like that.”

Honoring the Legends

Texas Latino recently released its newest album, Homenaje A Los Grandes, a tribute project honoring many of the legendary artists and songwriters who helped shape Tejano and regional Mexican music.

“We just released Homenaje A Los Grandes, a special tribute to some of the greats,” Contreras said.

The album includes collaborations with several iconic voices, including Sunny Ozuna, Mario Montes of Grupo Romance, Cezar Martinez of David Lee Garza y Los Musicales, and one of the final recordings featuring the late Ricky Martinez of The Hometown Boys.

“I was fortunate to record him before he passed on,” Contreras said.

The album serves as a heartfelt thank you to the pioneers who paved the way for future generations.

“It’s one of those special tributes to the guys who paved the road for us.”

The project follows the tremendous success of Volumen II, which earned Texas Latino multiple honors at the 45th Tejano Music Awards, including Album of the Year. Lead vocalist Gabe Rivera captured Male Vocalist of the Year, while the group also won Collaboration of the Year for “Pienso En Ti” featuring Monica Saldivar.

The band’s current single, “Quiero Amarte”—a fresh interpretation of the Los Dudes classic written by Joe Revelez—continues that momentum and showcases Texas Latino’s signature blend of respect for tradition and contemporary production.

Advice for the Next Generation

After more than three decades in the business, Contreras says success begins with finding the right musicians and selecting great songs.

“Good song selection is very, very important,” he said. “Find good players that fit what you’re trying to do.”

It’s advice forged through years of experience that has helped Texas Latino become one of Tejano’s most decorated and enduring acts.

Celebrate the Fourth with Texas Latino

Fans can catch Texas Latino live on Friday, July 3, at Texas Rodeo Saloon in Katy, Texas, where they’ll kick off an evening of Tejano music before The Hometown Boys take the stage.

Admission is free, making it one of the must-see events of the Fourth of July weekend for Tejano fans across Southeast Texas.

Fans can follow Texas Latino on Facebook and stream the band’s music on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, and other major digital platforms.

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