I am just a poor Gringo with just a passing knowledge of tunes to play, besides the old traditional Mexican songs like Mexican Hat Dance, El Rancho Grande,South Of The Border,La Cucharacha, Herb Alpert songs, Macerena, Fiesta Mexico,La Bamba, La Cumanchero,Tequila.

The trouble is I don't know real Mexican music, but will sneak in some general Latin. Maybe someone can sent me a few midi tunes I can read from my Pa4X and/or further suggestions for an old guy.

you got mail

I sure appreciate the mp3s my friend. Much good dance music.

Bernie thats all you need....good luck

Since this is a dinner/dance, what mix ratio of Mexican would be suggested. I can play 100% if need be. I, obviously, have never played a Cinco De Mayo gig before.

I would base it on the mix of the audience ...

Is the audience Mexican? Or a bunch of American retirees with a Mexican themed party...If the latter just Mexican during dinner, breaks,and a few peppered throughout the night to dance,cumbia,bachata,merengue,etc,...then stick with your favorites they will still expect that...

It is the latter, and they are planning different ethnicity themes each month. I think I will go with the mix since I now have the music to go either way depending on the crowd.

Thanks for the help.

good luck Bernie....pics?....videos?

Hi Bernie

Of course, I would mix them up, with assorted music, tempos, etc....Mexican people like music like Luis Miguel, Alejandro Fernandez, Vicente Fernandez, you can you tube this names and check it out....

Bachata and Merengue is more Caribbean, to be precise, from Dominican Republic. I know this because I am Mexican, play Cielito Lindo, Perfidia, Solamente una vez(You belong to my heart, Besame Mucho, Green Eyes (Aquellos ojos verdes), and if you know, Si nos Dejan, Como han pasado los años, Rancho Grande.

For the Dance music, Cumbias.....Boleros, I recommend LOTS of Cumbias.
Cumbias can be different tempos...
I sent you some material for dinner and dance too. Some MP3s and SMFs including the melody.

Manuel

Hi Bernie,
I can lend you a genuine sombrero for extra effect if you care to pick it up

Ray

Thank you Manuel, the songs are most appreciated, as well as the advice.

Hi Ray
Even though I give 150% to a show,sadly, a trip to Australia is a bit much. Thanks for the offer, but will have to settle for the knockoff I bought.

Bernie

I'm sure you'll do fine with your cinco de mayo event. Most Americans are completely culess on Mexican culture. Hell, most Americans think that cinco de mayo is Mexican Independence Day! Honestly you could probably get away with playing a few stereotypical Mexican themed songs like "Margaritaville" " South of the Boarder" "Toes", James Taylor's "Mexico" "Tequila " .... I think it's great that you care, but remember they hired you Bernie, because they like your music just the way it is!

I agree with Paul. I've done lots of them and the American audiences are pretty much clueless about the ethnicity of most songs.

Gary

La Bamba, Spanish Eyes, Quacamole (Texas Tornados) , Before The Next Teardrop Falls (with Spanish verse), A Little Bit Is Better Than Nada (Texas Tornados), I've Got Mexico (Eddie Raven), Run For The Border and Ridin' My Thumb To Mexico (Johnny Rodriquez), Playboys of the Southwestern World (Blake Shelton), Mexico (James Taylor), Blame It On Mexico (George Strait), Toes In The Water (Zak Brown Band), The Seashores of Old Mexico (George Strait), South of the Border (AY YAY YAY YAY), Stays In Mexico (Toby Keith), Beer In Mexico (Kenny Chesney), Streets of Laredo (Johnny Cash and others), Pour Me Another Tequila, Sheila (Bobby Bare) . . . just off the top of my oval shaped head...
A couple of years ago, I played a few weeks in a Mexican Restaurant. All these songs went over with customers AND staff.

Thanks guys

I see now that I have much more leeway than I thought. With the real Mexican music I received from Manuel and Donny, together with your fine suggestions, it will be a stroll in the park.

Good luck bernie you'll be fine have a few margaritas too...lol .....
4 hours and its over and you move on to the Memorial day gigs.....
go for it!!

I never get nervous or worry about a show as long as I am prepared. Back in the old days I had my share of libation , but for the last thirty years I have stuck to coffee. I have my sombrero and Mariachi shirt ready to go.

Thanks for the kind words.