Arts & Entertainment

Patricia Vonne plays Tex-Mex rock Saturday at Continental

By Uruj Perwaiz
The Daily Cougar

Our generation of music artists has produced more ethnic variations than ever. From the half-Lebanese, half-Colombian Shakira to Puerto Rican pop star Ricki Martin, we are surrounded by a fusion of international music.

This weekend, Houston will have the chance to experience another level of exotic and intriguing rock ‘ni roll with a hint of Tex-Mex edge. Patricia Vonne (born Patricia Vonne Rodriguez) claims deep Mexican-American roots as well as her motheris ancestral culture from Spain. 

Vonneis self-titled debut hit stores Tuesday. And her fans can celebrate the albumis release at the Continental Club this Saturday.

Vonne has said that her older brothers (one of whom, Robert Rodriguez, is the acclaimed writer-director of films El Mariachi and Spy Kids), along with Texas country legend Joe Ely and the Spanish ballads and corridos (story songs), have all influenced her style.

While living in New York City in 1997, she was a model, dancer and actor and began singing backup for bands in big-city nightclubs. She soon realized that her years of dance experience, which ranges from ballet to tango to flamenco, should be put to use, and she seriously pursued songwriting: "Every song is like a dance," Vonne has said.

The following year, Vonne succeeded in pulling together a band of fellow Texans, including lead guitarist Kirk Brewster and backup vocalist Robert LaRoche (whom she married in November 2000). The roadhouse roots rock band (like a dark and seductive blend) boasted a taste of Latin influence.

She recorded her debut between the summer of 2001 and the end of 2002. Vonne included players from her old New York band and her new Austin gang, as well as a guest appearance by Austinis John Dee Graham (formerly of the legendary True Believers).

Packed with a dozen bold and confident originals, Patricia Vonne features slow ballads such as the Spanish "Soledad" as well as full honky-tonk rockers such as "Mudpies and Gasoline." 

Her performances entertain the audience with her powerful, inspiring vocals and her stylized flamenco dancing and castanet playing.

The video for "Wonit Fade Away" was directed by her older brother, and is featured on the multi-media portion of Patricia Vonne. 

For more information on the singer or her debut album, visit www.patriciavonne.com.

Patricia Vonne

Continental Club, 3700 Main St.

The verdict: Patricia Vonne is a brand of rock ini roll that whips up a bit of the border for dessert.

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