Arts & Entertainment
 

Peña, Bronco mature

Go Tejano Day at RodeoHouston showcases two still-rising acts

By Carlos Doroteo
The Daily Cougar

It's been ten years since the immortal queen of Tejano music, Selena, delivered the performance of a lifetime before a then record-breaking crowd at the Houston Astrodome one month before her death. Five years later, a young blossoming talent from Corpus Christi named Jennifer Peña paid tribute to her on the same stage, never imagining one day she herself would return to headline the event.

The same could be said of Bronco, the legendary and beloved group from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, which seven years ago retired from the music scene and said adios at the height of their career amid speculation and controversy.

Peña and Bronco, reborn as El Gigante De America and accompanied by a new member, percussionist Aurelio Esparza, did just that during the festivities of Go Tejano Day at Reliant Stadium on March 14.

First came Peña, who waved eagerly to the throngs of spectators towering around her as she rode onboard a sporty red Thunderbird convertible to center stage. As the music started, Pena climbed the set dressed in revealing semi-transparent, purple sleeveless outfit adorned with silver jewelry and multi-colored slits.

Unfortunately, Peña immediately ran into mic troubles that rendered the vocals of her first two songs inaudible. Furthermore, even with an upbeat lineup of hits including "El Dolor Te Tu Presencia" and "A Fuego Lento," Peña was unable to connect with the crowd most of the night. She received the most applause when she sang her favorite childhood melody "Flying Without Wings" and also unveiled a new song, "Vivo y Muero en Tu Piel," from her forthcoming album, Seducción.

The mariachi competition made for a smooth transition to Bronco, whose members dressed in their signature Norteño attire. The night began with the soul-wrenching "Que No Quede Huella" followed by somber "Un Fin de Semana" and heartbreaker "Estoy A Punto."

Lead singer Guadalupe Esparza, with his glittering blue guitar in hand, reeled off hit after hit from Bronco's glorious past as the crowd greeted its return with boisterous cheers, celebrating the comeback of a legend. The magical night progressed with "Libros Tontos," the ballad "Nunca Voy a Olvidarte," and rhythmic "Sergio El Bailador," the song that catapulted Bronco to fame. After Lupe ended the concert with "Sed," the audience responded with heartfelt applause filled with adoro, or love, that reverberated throughout the stadium.

Jennifer Peña

RodeoHouston

Reliant Stadium

The verdict: Pena's defining moment will have to wait another day as Bronco's performance re-established its greatness.

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