Linda Escobar | Photo: David Muñoz / Muñoz Snapshots
Corpus Christi, TX – The “Queen of Conjunto,” Linda Escobar, honored three young musicians with the prestigious Eligio Escobar Scholarships at the El Veterano Conjunto Festival in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Sunday, November 10, 2024. This annual event, held near Veteran’s Day, celebrates the legacy of her late father, Conjunto legend and U.S. Army veteran Eligio Escobar, by supporting the next generation of Tejano and Conjunto musicians.
Linda Escobar shared the exciting news via social media, stating, “Scholarship awards have been sent to our three deserving recipients, and we offer our best wishes for your ongoing educational endeavors and future impact on the Conjunto Tejano music community. Congratulations Max Ancira and El Gorrion y La Paloma! God bless!”
Since its inception in 1999, the Eligio Escobar Scholarship has awarded 68 scholarships, helping young musicians pursue their passion for music. This year’s recipients, Max Ancira and the sibling duo El Gorrion y La Paloma, each received $750 to further their music education.
About Max Ancira
Max Ancira | Photo: David Muñoz / Muñoz Snapshots
Max Ancira, an 11-year-old accordion prodigy from Sugar Land, Texas, has been captivating audiences with his talent since he was four. Inspired by his father Jose’s music and videos of Jaime y Los Chamacos and Albert Zamora, Max began playing a toy accordion before transitioning to a full-sized instrument. His natural ability and dedication have earned him recognition across the greater Houston area. Max performs with his own band, Conjunto To The Max, and has shared the stage with renowned artists like David Lee Garza, South TX Homies, and Albert Zamora. In addition to his musical pursuits, Max is an AP student in 6th grade, participates in Junior High Band, and is a member of Kickstart Varsity Karate.
About El Gorrion y La Paloma
El Gorrion y La Paloma | Photo: David Muñoz / Muñoz Snapshots
El Gorrion y La Paloma, translating to The Sparrow and The Dove, are siblings from Edinburg, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley. El Gorrion, who has been singing and playing the accordion since he was five, and La Paloma, who accompanies him on the bajo quinto and sings second voice, began their musical journey during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their supportive parents encouraged their talent, leading them to experiment with various sounds and genres. Their music project, which started as a hobby, has grown significantly, earning them spots on Texas radio and television stations and at music festivals. They have released original songs like “La Chica de La Escuela” and “Esos Ojitos,” which are available on their Facebook page and YouTube channel, where they continue to gain followers.
The Eligio Escobar Scholarships not only honor a Conjunto legend but also ensure the future of Tejano and Conjunto music remains bright with talented young musicians like Max Ancira and El Gorrion y La Paloma.
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