The Rio Grande Theatre’s National Tour Series’ first event, a Selena tribute concert performed by Karla Perez, coincides with a special evening in Downtown: the dedication of the new plaza. Make Saturday, September 17, a full evening by enjoying the dedication and dinner out, and then heading to the Rio Grande Theatre for a show at 7:30 p.m. that commemorates the music of Latina superstar Selena, the Queen of Tejano music.
Karla Perez and her six-piece band hit it out of the park, and do honor to the memory of Selena. Jr. Maldonado of Muckleshoot Casino in Auburn, Washington, summed up the appreciation for Perez’s tribute to Selena by saying, “This is the absolute closest show you will get to the real Selena. From beginning to end, it was an experience to relive the great Selena. The casino guests absolutely loved her and they all left with a smile on their face.”
She has been performing for Selena fans across the country, making each performance an astonishing experience. Perez has proven time and time again over the past three years why she is widely regarded as the top-rated Selena tribute artist in the United States and Mexico. Rave reviews from venues across the country confirm that audiences love her tribute to Selena. Bob McClendon of MKT Casino enthused, “This was probably the best tribute show I have ever seen” and Wes Cortly of Harrah’s AK-Chin Casino in Maricopa, Arizona, said, “The Selena show was a huge hit! The show was packed start to finish.”
Perez is from Guadalajara, Mexico, currently residing in Phoenix, Arizona. She began her career in music at a very young age, recording jingles for political campaigns, radio stations, commercials, as well as winning singing competitions, and auditioning for La Academia, Objetivo Fama, and La Voz México reality shows. She has been the lead female singer for many versatile bands, playing at private parties, bars, and nightclubs. Perez sings all types of music and is one of the most dynamic entertainers in the Latin music industry. She studied music in the Conservatory of Guadalajara and Arizona Western College in Yuma.
Her manager, Carlos Flores, says she decided to focus on being a Selena tribute artist because she had always admired the singer and her voice is very similar to Selena’s. Her concert will feature about 22 of Selena’s most popular songs. He says, “She’s a natural at captivating the crowds. Once they hear her sing, they’ll love her.”
When she’s not singing, Karla Perez is a bilingual teacher.
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, who was murdered in 1995, was an American singer, songwriter, spokesperson, actress, and fashion designer. Her contributions to music and fashion made her one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the late 20th century. Billboard magazine named her the "top Latin artist of the ‘90s" and the "best selling Latin artist of the decade.” She released eleven albums, six with her band Selena y Los Dinos and five without them. Selena was nominated for 86 awards, with 67 wins. She won 36 Tejano Music Awards, 14 Billboard Latin Music Awards, 10 Lo Nuestro Awards, five BMI Awards, and one award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. In 1995, she was inducted into the Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame.
This show is included for season subscribers for the National Tour Series, which is available for purchase through September 2. The series also includes Western stars the Sons of the Pioneers on November 11, Irish step dancing with Rhythm of the Dance on February 14, and the African Guitar Summit on February 23. The entire series is only $125, all fees included, including reserved seats for all performances. To purchase the series, call or visit the Doña Ana Arts Council office as series tickets are not available online. Series tickets are only available through September 2.
Tickets for the Selena tribute show individually will go on sale September 3, priced at $37 for the main floor and $27 for balcony seats, all fees included. Individual tickets will be available at www.riograndetheatre.com , at the theatre box office, or by phone at 575-523-6403. Prices are $5 more when purchased at the door the evening of the event.
The Rio Grande Theatre is located at 211 N. Main Street, Las Cruces, NM, and is managed by the Doña Ana Arts Council. The theatre box office and Doña Ana Arts Council office is on the second floor of the theatre. For more information, go to www.riograndetheatre.com or call (575) 523-6403.