Houston’s Powerhouse Avizo is bringing its signature brass-driven sound to the 46th Annual Tejano Music Awards, where the veteran group will open the November 13 ceremony at the Texas Rodeo Saloon in Katy, Texas. Bandleader and trumpet player Robert Dorantes recently joined The Bo Corona Show to preview the performance, reflect on the band’s musical journey and discuss why he continues to answer the call whenever an opportunity to play comes along.

Avizo ready to kick off the awards show

Dorantes confirmed that Avizo will open the awards ceremony with a high-energy performance featuring its powerful horn section, along with vocalists Chris “Q” Quiroga and George Rivas.

Robert Dorantes of Avizo Interview 11.05.26 (Courtesy: The Bo Corona Show)

“We’re opening up the show, bro, so we’re gonna come out strong, heavy brass,” Dorantes told Bo Corona.

The group will also welcome Tejano icon Ram Herrera to the stage for a special musical segment.

“We’re bringing up the most wanted man, Ram Herrera, and gonna do some tunes for Ram and just get the show going on a high note,” Dorantes said.

Avizo currently features 10 musicians, including five horn players, with the lineup occasionally expanding to 11 members when the band performs with two vocalists.

More than four decades of Houston’s Powerhouse sound

Founded in Houston by Dorantes, Avizo has built a reputation for its distinctive blend of Tejano, R&B, tropical and Chicano musical influences, earning its nickname as Houston’s Powerhouse.

The band reached a major milestone with its 2005 album The Power of Friends, featuring collaborations with prominent Tejano artists including Little Joe, Ruben Ramos, Jay Perez, David Marez, Jesse Serrata, and Agustín Ramírez. The project earned a Grammy nomination in 2006.

Avizo continued expanding its musical legacy with Horn City in 2007 and Recordando Josefa, a tribute project that received Latin Grammy recognition. The group has also celebrated its Houston roots through projects such as the 2024 music video for “La Cacahuata,” filmed at historic Hidalgo Park.

Beyond its own recordings, Avizo has become a respected backing band, giving Dorantes and his musicians opportunities to perform alongside artists they have admired throughout their careers.

“I enjoy that we’re able to back up any artist, and it gives me the opportunity to meet some of the artists that I’ve never met, some of my idols that I never thought I’d get to play with,” Dorantes said.

“Having all these great musicians and being able to back up the best of the best, it’s a total blessing, man. I’m totally on cloud nine. I’ve had a great career.”

Dorantes looks ahead while keeping the music alive

When Bo Corona asked about Avizo’s plans for 2027, Dorantes jokingly suggested retirement might be approaching, but quickly admitted that his love for performing and the continued demand for the band make it difficult to walk away.

“It’s time to hang it up,” he joked. “But it’s hard, man. It’s hard because the phone keeps ringing.”

He added that the band plans to continue performing, recording music and participating in special events, including conventions.

Dorantes’ musical journey began when he was 11 years old after being inspired by a cousin who played with Big Lu y Los Muchachos. Seeing his cousin featured on an album cover sparked his interest in becoming a musician, prompting his father to buy him his first trumpet.

Decades later, Dorantes still encourages young musicians to learn their craft, explore different musical styles and never give up.

“Learn music. That’s the main thing, and you can apply that music to any instrument,” he advised. “Don’t give up, but listen to Tejano music and listen to all kind of music.”

He also praised social media for giving independent musicians more opportunities to reach audiences, even when traditional radio airplay is limited.

“For me, it’s a total blessing,” Dorantes said. “I think it levels out the playing field for everybody because some stations don’t play your music, some do, and so here on social media, it’s open to everybody so you can get your stuff out there.”

Star-studded 46th Tejano Music Awards lineup

Avizo joins an impressive lineup of performers scheduled for the 46th Annual Tejano Music Awards, including Jay Perez, Siggno, Jenny B, Gary Hobbs, Ram Herrera, Luis Ayala’s Fiebre, Stefani Montiel, and Ricardo Castillon Y La Diferenzia.

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