Los Texmaniacs Archives - The Heights Theater

Los Texmaniacs

Max Baca is the Past, Present And Future of Conjunto Music, a true Conjunto master on the Bajo Sexto, a twelve string guitar that provides accompaniment and rhythm for the button accordion, and is Vidal for the true Tex-Mex Conjunto sound.

Max Baca has lead his Texmaniacs to become the new worldwide kings of Tex-Mex Roots music, feeding the masses with only the best in musical fare, cooked up from a wide ranging experience touring and recording with legends Flaco Jimenez, The Texas Tornados, Los Super Seven, Lyle Lovett, Rick Trevino and 1996 he recorded with The Rolling Stones on the Voodoo Lounge Album. Max started his group Los Texmaniacs in 1999, inspired by the spirit and experience of TexasTornados who he toured with for 10 years.In 2024 Max Baca was the youngest to be inducted into the Conjunto Music Hall of Fame.

N 2005-2009 Max and his Texmaniacs did 4 tours to entertain the troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Kosovo during the war.

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings invited Max to record the album Borders y Bailes, Which earned an American Grammy win in 2010. Then later nominated in 2014 for a Latin Grammy Folkways album, titled Texas Towns and Tex Mex sounds. 2018, Grammy nomination for the album Cruzando Borders.

Max has taken his Tex Mex conjunto sound all over the world touring China, Switzerland Spain, ltaly Argentina, Bangladesh, Canada ect.. and has performed on over 14 Grammy winning albums. Max still continues to receive invitations to perform teach and represent.

Different cultural events around the world.

Max is goal is to keep on representing and collaborating with young Artists, bringing people from different communities and cultures together, to create happiness and peace by speaking from the heart through his music!

Lisa Morales

Lisa Morales is an Austin-based singer-songwriter whose music reflects a rich blend of Latin heritage and American roots. A former member of the acclaimed duo Sisters Morales, Lisa continues to honor her cultural legacy through emotionally resonant songs performed in English, Spanish, and Spanglish. With a sound that transcends genres— from folk and rock to Americana and traditional Mexican—her solo work, including the albums Luna Negra, She Ought to Be King, and Sonora, has earned praise for its authenticity, poetic lyrics, and powerful vocals. A cousin of Linda Ronstadt and a torchbearer for family harmonies, Morales brings a legacy of resilience and artistic depth to the modern music scene.

Lisa Morales is a genre-defying singer-songwriter whose artistry bridges borders, languages, and generations. Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Morales was steeped in traditional Mexican music from an early age—a cultural influence that continues to shape her sound. With music running deep in her bloodline (she’s a cousin of pop icon Linda Ronstadt), Lisa rose to prominence as one half of the critically acclaimed duo Sisters Morales, alongside her sister and lifelong musical partner, Roberta. Together, they released six albums that fused Latin rhythms, Americana soul, and poetic lyricism until Roberta’s passing in 2021.

Now based in Austin, Texas, Morales continues to evolve as a solo artist, crafting songs that reflect her bicultural identity and lived experiences. Whether she’s singing in English, Spanish, or a seamless blend of both—as she does throughout her solo records like Luna Negra and the Daughter of the Sun, She Ought to Be King, and her most recent project Sonora—her voice carries a singular emotional resonance that connects deeply with audiences. Critics have praised her as “one of the most multifaceted artists to watch” (Rolling Stone), and her music has been described as “an eruption… a total purge” (Magnet Magazine), balancing moments of grief, resilience, celebration, and healing.

Sonora, in particular, serves as both a tribute and a reinvention—honoring the memories of her sister while stepping boldly into new creative terrain. The album features collaborations with a wide array of celebrated artists, including, JoJo Garza (Los Lonely Boys), Kesley Wilson(Sir Woman) and Tish Hinojosa, as well as a poignant posthumous co-write with Roberta. Morales also welcomed her son, Thomas Spencer, into the recording process—bringing a fresh generation of family harmonies into her work.

With her trademark blend of vulnerability and strength, Lisa Morales stands as a voice for multicultural expression, female empowerment, and the healing power of song. Her live performances, often met with standing ovations, are a testament to her authenticity, her heritage, and her enduring creative fire.

Combine a hefty helping of Tex Mex conjunto, simmer with several parts Texas rock, add a daring dash of well-cured blues, and R&B riffs, and you’ve cooked up the tasty TexManiacs groove. Not to say that this group’s sound is for musical gourmets only… it is, “hip music everyone can relate to.”

Los Texmaniacs – feed the masses, with only the best in musical fare. Founded by Max Baca (bajo sexto, vocals), the TexManiacs are a product of his wide-ranging experience touring and recording with groups from his father’s family conjunto, Flaco Jimenez, the original Texas Tornados, Los Super Seven, and with The Rolling Stones. Max is a legend on the bajo sexto, a twelve-string guitar-like instrument, which customarily provides rhythm accompaniment for the button accordion, thus creating the core of the conjunto sound. On the bajo, Max uses the instrument to push the TexManiacs sound to another level of vibrancy altogether. He has displayed a musical virtuosity and blistering guitar riff solo style, that is now being emulated by young bajo players internationally. Max Is credited for turning a traditional folk/roots/conjunto instrument hip again, attracting young, new audiences while maintain his roots in traditional Tex-Mex. His many sojourns as a life long musician have resulted in an impressive touring schedule, including four tours to Iraq, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Kosovo to entertain the troops. Max has appeared on national television programs such as Conan O’Brien, David Letterman, Jay Leno, and Austin City Limits. Max has also been featured in several PBS documentaries such as: Songs of the Homeland, American Roots Music, and Latin Music USA. Max has also participated on ten Grammy winning projects including the double-platinum album for the Rolling Stones, Voodoo Lounge (Virgin, 1996). Max’s most recent Grammy was with his band, Los TexManiacs in 2010 for Borders Y Bailes (Smithsonian Folkways 2009).

Like a great salsa, the Texmaniacs mix the simplest yet finest ingredients of Texas music to create a sound solidly rooted in tradition, exploding with contemporary vitality. TexManiacs versatility has led them to performances such as The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, International Accordion Festival, Kennedy Center, Governor of Texas Ball, and many major festivals overseas in Germany, Holland, and Spain. Los TexManiacs have been awarded proclamations as ambassadors of good will from several government entities including the cities of San Antonio, TX, Austin, TX, Los Angeles, CA, and Albuquerque, NM.

Their first album, A Tex Mex Groove (2004), contains a wide sampling of musical focus that is characteristic of the group. It also hosts a legendary line-up of guest artists such as Flaco Jimenez, Augie Meyers, Ruben Ramos, and Los Lobos. Their second album “About Time” (2007) peaked at #1 on the Tex Mex charts. Los TexManiacs most recent album is the Grammy Award winning “Borders Y Bailes” – this album was released by Smithsonian Folkways; the record label for The Smithsonian National Museum of the United States. This project further cemented Los TexManiacs rightful place in history as master musicians in their respective musical disciplines.

So, don’t just stay for supper, make sure you stick around for dessert.

Add a heapin’ helping of TexMex flavor to your Holidays. Kessler Presents a “TexMex Christmas” featuring Grammy award winners Los TexManiacs with very special guest, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Flaco Jimenez.

The Kings of TexMex will perform their hits along with traditional conjunto and Holiday favorites – TexMex style. Bring your dancin’ boots for a night of foot stomping TexMex Christmas fun and Holiday memories.

Grammy award winners Los TexManiacs, plus the legacy artists that are Flaco Jimenez & Augie Meyers put a little TexMex Flavor in your Holiday season. The Texas Music legends will be performing all their hits along with Holiday favorites spiced with a TexMex twist!

Over the years, Max Baca & Los Texmaniacs have established themselves as the most recognized Conjunto band in the world, delivering a traditional style fused with modern rhythms to deliver a unique and infectious brand of Conjunto. The band is led by premiere “first call” bajo sexto player, Max Baca. Max has recorded on 11 Grammy winning recordings including The Rolling Stones “Voodoo Lounge”, Los Super 7, Texas Tornados, etc. During 2009, Los Texmaniacs were selected by Smithsonian Folkways to document Conjunto as a form of American Roots & Folk music. The subsequent recording titled Borders y Bailes earned a GRAMMY in 2010.

Nationally, Los Texmaniacs have delighted audiences at such prestigious and diverse venues as: The Library of Congress; The Kennedy Center (D.C.); New Orleans Jazz Fest; Rhythm and Roots Fest (Rhode Island); The Ford Theatre and Greek Theatre (L.A.); and Garrison Keillor’s nationally-syndicated radio program A Prairie Home Companion’s 40thAnniversary Celebration (St. Paul, MN).

Since 2013, Max and the band have focused heavily on stretching the boundaries of Conjunto both musically and globally touring Worldwide. Los Texmaniacs were designated “cultural ambassadors” by the city of San Antonio, Texas. They have performed in Russia (two tours), China, Switzerland, and Argentina. The band has just completed mini tours of Canada, Italy, Hawaii, and was a co headliner with The Chieftains at Hong Kong World Music Festival in November of 2015.

FLACO JIMENEZ

Few if any artists in conjunto and Tejano music have received the level of critical acclaim Flaco Jimenéz has enjoyed over the course of a career that’s spanned six decades, and it’s certain that no one has taken the accordion-fueled Tex-Mex sound to a larger audience than he has. Without compromising his musical vision, Jimenéz has introduced the traditional conjunto sound to mainstream pop and country listeners thanks to his collaborations with the Texas Tornados, Dwight Yoakam, and the Mavericks, and he is celebrated by adventurous rock fans through his work with Ry Cooder, Carlos Santana, Doug Sahm, and the Rolling Stones.

Flaco Jimenéz was born in San Antonio, TX in 1939, and raised in a musical family; his grandfather Patricio Jimenéz was an accordion player who embraced the polkas and waltz tunes that are conjunto’s stylistic precursors, and Flaco’s father Santiago Jimenéz, Sr. was a pioneering Tex-Mex musician who cut one of the first conjunto records, “Dices Pescao” b/w “Dispensa el Arrempujon” in 1936. Flaco’s first instrument was the bajo sexto, a Mexican variation on the 12-string guitar which he started to play at age seven, but after he became proficient enough to join his father on-stage, Flaco’s interest turned to the accordion, and he developed a joyous, expressive style that was influenced by zydeco master Clifton Chenier as well as his father and his Tex-Mex peers. At 15, Jimenéz formed his first band, Los Caporales, and the group soon won a sizable following in San Antonio, cutting records for a local label and earning a weekly spot on a local television variety show.

By the early ’60s, Jimenéz was already a Texas legend, playing clubs across the Lone Star state and regularly filling dance halls in San Antonio with music that fused the classic Tejano sound with elements of blues and country. Jimenéz gained a loyal fan in Doug Sahm, founder of the Sir Douglas Quintet and a fellow Texas maverick with a taste for crossbreeding rootsy sounds, and in 1973, when Sahm was recording his first solo album for Atlantic Records, he invited Flaco to join him for the sessions (which also included guest spots from Bob Dylan and Dr. John), giving him his first serious recognition outside of the Tejano scene. In 1976, Ry Cooder included Flaco on his album Chicken Skin Music, and the groundbreaking folk and roots music label Arhoolie Records released Flaco Jimenéz & His Conjunto in 1978, finally giving his own music distribution outside of the Southwest.

Jimenéz continued to record and tour extensively, broadening his reach across the country and around the world, and in 1988 Dwight Yoakam brought Flaco into the studio to add an accordion part to a duet he recorded with Buck Owens. The tune, “Streets of Bakersfield,” became a major country hit, and as Flaco joined Yoakam on tour, he found himself a rising star at the age of 49. In 1989, Jimenéz and his old friend Doug Sahm teamed up for a new project with country legend Freddy Fender and fellow squeeze box man (and one of Sahm’s partners in the Sir Douglas Quintet) Augie Meyers; calling themselves the Texas Tornados, the band scored a deal with Reprise Records and they hit the charts with a re-cut of Meyers local hit “(Hey Baby) Que Paso.” A track from the Texas Tornados’ debut album, “Soy de San Luis,” won a Grammy as Best Mexican-American Performance of 1991, and it would be the first of five Grammys Flaco would receive before the decade was out. Now that Flaco was a bona fide star, he signed with Warner Bros. and released a 1992 solo set, Partners, which included guest appearances from Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and Los Lobos. In 1994, the Rolling Stones tapped Flaco to add an accordion solo to their album Voodoo Lounge, and the same year Jimenéz released a self-titled solo set for Arista, a rootsy effort that included vocals from Raul Malo of the Mavericks. A year later, Jimenéz and Malo appeared on record together again when Flaco added a hot accordion solo to the Mavericks’ “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down” from their album Music for All Occasions, which once again brought Flaco’s sound to the upper reaches of the country charts. 1996 saw the release of the last studio album from the Texas Tornados, but Jimenéz joined up with another super-group in 1998, Los Super Seven, a collection of top Latin American musicians including members of Los Lobos and Joe Ely.

Since then, Jimenéz has continued to maintain a busy recording and touring schedule that would tax men half his age as he upholds his status as one of the world’s leading ambassadors of Tex-Mex music.

Grammy Award winners, Los Texmaniacs are the new kings of Tex-Mex . Annointed by Flaco Jimenez, Los Texmaniacs feed the masses, with only the best in musical fare. Founded by Max Baca (bajo sexto, vocals), the TexManiacs are a product of his wide-ranging experience touring and recording with Flaco Jimenenz, the original Texas Tornados, Los Super Seven, and even the Rolling Stones.
Max has participated on eleven Grammy winning projects and is the premiere first call bajo sexto player in the world.

Over the years, Max Baca & Los Texmaniacs have established themselves as the most recognized Conjunto band in the world, delivering a traditional style fused with modern rhythms to deliver a unique and infectious brand of Conjunto. The band is led by premiere "first call" bajo sexto player, Max Baca. Max has recorded on 11 Grammy winning recordings including The Rolling Stones "Voodoo Lounge", Los Super 7, Texas Tornados, etc. During 2009, Los Texmaniacs were selected by Smithsonian Folkways to document Conjunto as a form of American Roots & Folk music. The subsequent recording titled Borders y Bailes earned a GRAMMY in 2010.

AUGIE MEYERS

Augie Meyers' style and his Vox Continental has become one of music's most distinctive keyboard sounds around. Augie can be heard with the Sir Douglas Quintet, Texas Tornados, Meyers’ solo efforts as well as on landmark albums by Bob Dylan (”Time Out of Mind” and “Love and Theft”) and John Hammond (“Wicked Grin”). Echoes of the Meyers' style and sound can be heard in the music of the Doors, the Kinks, the Animals as well as the Beatles just to name a few.

Rolling out of San Antonio, Texas in the early 60's, the Sir Douglas Quintet, a musical partnership formed with Doug Sahm, brought such hit tunes as "Mendocino" and "She's About a Mover." By fusing Tex-Mex, Conjunto, and soulful rock together along with the power of Meyers' distinctive Vox organ, an impact that is still being felt in rock 'n' roll today. While the Sir Douglas Quintet never broke up and never succumbed to the lure of the oldies circuit, when Meyers and his musical cohorts decided they wanted to do something different, they did. That led to the formation of The Texas Tornados and a Grammy award-winning South Texas sound. Meyers worked steadily with Sahm until the kinetic guitarist/vocalist passed away in 1999. Meyers has always pursued projects that interest him as an individual and as a collaborator and has long refused to lock himself into one style of music.

FLACO JIMENEZ

Few if any artists in conjunto and Tejano music have received the level of critical acclaim Flaco Jimenéz has enjoyed over the course of a career that's spanned six decades, and it's certain that no one has taken the accordion-fueled Tex-Mex sound to a larger audience than he has. Without compromising his musical vision, Jimenéz has introduced the traditional conjunto sound to mainstream pop and country listeners thanks to his collaborations with the Texas Tornados, Dwight Yoakam, and the Mavericks, and he is celebrated by adventurous rock fans through his work with Ry Cooder, Carlos Santana, Doug Sahm, and the Rolling Stones.

Flaco Jimenéz was born in San Antonio, TX in 1939, and raised in a musical family; his grandfather Patricio Jimenéz was an accordion player who embraced the polkas and waltz tunes that are conjunto's stylistic precursors, and Flaco's father Santiago Jimenéz, Sr. was a pioneering Tex-Mex musician who cut one of the first conjunto records, "Dices Pescao" b/w "Dispensa el Arrempujon" in 1936. Flaco's first instrument was the bajo sexto, a Mexican variation on the 12-string guitar which he started to play at age seven, but after he became proficient enough to join his father on-stage, Flaco's interest turned to the accordion, and he developed a joyous, expressive style that was influenced by zydeco master Clifton Chenier as well as his father and his Tex-Mex peers. At 15, Jimenéz formed his first band, Los Caporales, and the group soon won a sizable following in San Antonio, cutting records for a local label and earning a weekly spot on a local television variety show.

By the early '60s, Jimenéz was already a Texas legend, playing clubs across the Lone Star state and regularly filling dance halls in San Antonio with music that fused the classic Tejano sound with elements of blues and country. Jimenéz gained a loyal fan in Doug Sahm, founder of the Sir Douglas Quintet and a fellow Texas maverick with a taste for crossbreeding rootsy sounds, and in 1973, when Sahm was recording his first solo album for Atlantic Records, he invited Flaco to join him for the sessions (which also included guest spots from Bob Dylan and Dr. John), giving him his first serious recognition outside of the Tejano scene. In 1976, Ry Cooder included Flaco on his album Chicken Skin Music, and the groundbreaking folk and roots music label Arhoolie Records released Flaco Jimenéz & His Conjunto in 1978, finally giving his own music distribution outside of the Southwest.

Jimenéz continued to record and tour extensively, broadening his reach across the country and around the world, and in 1988 Dwight Yoakam brought Flaco into the studio to add an accordion part to a duet he recorded with Buck Owens. The tune, "Streets of Bakersfield," became a major country hit, and as Flaco joined Yoakam on tour, he found himself a rising star at the age of 49. In 1989, Jimenéz and his old friend Doug Sahm teamed up for a new project with country legend Freddy Fender and fellow squeeze box man (and one of Sahm's partners in the Sir Douglas Quintet) Augie Meyers; calling themselves the Texas Tornados, the band scored a deal with Reprise Records and they hit the charts with a re-cut of Meyers local hit "(Hey Baby) Que Paso." A track from the Texas Tornados' debut album, "Soy de San Luis," won a Grammy as Best Mexican-American Performance of 1991, and it would be the first of five Grammys Flaco would receive before the decade was out. Now that Flaco was a bona fide star, he signed with Warner Bros. and released a 1992 solo set, Partners, which included guest appearances from Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and Los Lobos. In 1994, the Rolling Stones tapped Flaco to add an accordion solo to their album Voodoo Lounge, and the same year Jimenéz released a self-titled solo set for Arista, a rootsy effort that included vocals from Raul Malo of the Mavericks. A year later, Jimenéz and Malo appeared on record together again when Flaco added a hot accordion solo to the Mavericks' "All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down" from their album Music for All Occasions, which once again brought Flaco's sound to the upper reaches of the country charts. 1996 saw the release of the last studio album from the Texas Tornados, but Jimenéz joined up with another super-group in 1998, Los Super Seven, a collection of top Latin American musicians including members of Los Lobos and Joe Ely.

Since then, Jimenéz has continued to maintain a busy recording and touring schedule that would tax men half his age as he upholds his status as one of the world's leading ambassadors of Tex-Mex music.