Los Lonely Boys are on tour to promote their first album in over 11 years and are bringing their sons along to start the show. Fans packed Antone’s to warm up and wind down.
The line filled up fast at Antone’s as fans waited in forty degree weather, with only anticipation warming their bones. The sold-out show at Antone’s was the first time Los Lonely Boys have gone on tour in three years. Last year, the band came out with their first album in eleven years, “Resurrection”. “It’s not just about a religious thing being something that’s resurrected is to be made new and Los Lonely Boys, we felt like we were given another opportunity to be new.” responded Henry Garza in a podcast interview (The Margaritaville Podcast, 2024). The brothers agreed they needed time to enjoy life and feed their souls.
The members of the band have a certain essence that is familiar to those of us from Texas. They’re sweet and funny guys who are rich in family and passionate about their craft. Many have referred to the group as the “Mexican Beatles” because of both their classic rock inspiration and loyal fanbase.
Los Lonely Boys are from San Angelo, Texas and have a distinct style which blends blues, swing, conjunto, country rock, psych and tejano. It’s a sound so reflective of Texas, it commands your hips to sway and brings light to your soul. Their new album has funky bass-driven songs like “See Your Face” along with more blues-focused songs like “I Let You Think You Do” and “Bloodwater”.
I had the pleasure of speaking to two fans, Jeanette “Velvet Sky” Quintinilla and Yukie Aida who had formed and strengthened their friendship over Los Lonely Boys. Yukie shared that she had traveled from California to be able to enjoy the evening with her friends. Jeanette and Yukie agreed that they had been fans of the band for over 20 years and both listed fun facts faster than I could keep up with. “Creedance, Fender, Symphony, and Harmony” they counted simultaneously and giggled. “Those are their grandkids names!” Yukie replied. Los Lonely Boys fans call themselves “La Onda,” which means “The wave” in spanish and I could certainly feel the vibrations.
The evening began with Ringo Garza introducing his son’s band “Texican Legacy”. The group consists of Ringo Garza Junior, Mel Sanchez and Cody Creeden. The guys melted everyone’s faces off with their fast drums and powerful vocals. All the anticipation had begun to pay off. Drummer Mel Sanchez kept perfect time for the band to lay down their intricate melodies and funky bass. Sanchez, 20, has already had the honor of working with Texas legends like Kumbia All Stars. His experience definitely adds to the band’s seamless genre blending.
Later, Cristeros shared the stage and allured the crowd with their sound and style. The band consists of Nico Garza, Kique Garza and Kino Garza. Their attire blended elements of 1940’s chicano style. Wide-legged, pleated pants with two-toned oxfords, I could see the inspiration they had taken from the men that came before them. It was a beautiful tribute. Their sound was made of psych rock, blues and surf. It was impossible not to dance to. The small kids of the family could be seen twirling on the side of the stage, it was special to see how connected to music the whole family is.
The crowd began to push forward as Cristeros ended their set, the gravity of the stage was too strong. “Y’all happy to be alive?” Henry yelled out. Voices screamed and the band cracked the night open like a shell. Jojo’s groovy six-string bass set down the rhythm and a healthy energy for the set.The brothers have an unspoken language, all it takes is a look and they’re on the same wavelength. They have a child-like essence when they play, like they’re boys at home practicing all over again. They smile and lean on each other and it seamlessly connects their individual power into something bigger than themselves.
Lips at the front of the crowd matched the lyrics effortlessly. If you looked to the side of the stage, you could catch a glimpse of the boys from Texican Legacy and Cristeros singing and grooving along to their dad’s music. Earlier in the night, Los Lonely Boys were mouthing lyrics and smiling at their sons. It was sweet to see the cycle of admiration, especially after Los Lonely Boys lost their father, Enrique Garza, last year. The band could not have chosen a better title for their 2024 album, Resurrection.
There was new air after the show – a fitting theme for Antone’s 50th birthday, a venue that is no stranger to rebirth. Fans left re-energized and ready to continue their night in downtown Austin.
I am a student at Texas State studying Digital Media and Psychology. I am always carrying my camera with me, it feels like my true voice. Some of my favorite artists are Courtney Barnett, Tainy, Frank Ocean, Art Lown, Fleshwater, Turnover, SZA and Wynton Kelly. Central Texas always has talented people passing through and I try to catch as many shows I can. I really love fashion, part of the fun of going to a concert is seeing what the artists wear on stage and everyone's outfits in the crowd. I tend to use musical elements in my fashion photography, the two are so intertwined to me. I also love to read and run, but not always at the same time.
