By Edmond Ortiz
Lovers of conjunto music will get their fill of history, sights and sounds of the genre by visiting the Institute of Texan Culture’s latest installation.
What you should know
Based on the first floor of the Frost Bank Tower, the Institute is hosting “Puro Conjunto: Border(less) Sound,” beginning June 11.
The rotating gallery exhibit features photos, musical instruments, records and other artifacts chronicling the evolution of conjunto as a genre of música norteña, from communities in northern Mexico and South Texas, since the late 19th century.
In addition to displaying a timeline of conjunto’s history, the interactive exhibit features artifacts rarely seen in public, including conjunto pioneer Bruno Villarreal’s accordion, a signed bajo sexto from Flaco Jiménez, Lydia Mendoza’s performance dress, a 1938 record cutting machine from Ideal Records, historic photos, and vinyl records originally created by early pioneers such as Santiago Jimenez, and Narciso Martinez, who is widely seen as the father of conjunto.
There is also a bajo sexto made by Miguel Acosta, accompanied by a short video showing Acosta building a bajo sexto.
What they are saying
According to Bianca Alvarez, ITC’s head curator, “Puro Conjunto” borrows items and information from sources such as the UTSA Libraries Special Collections, and area artistic and cultural organizations that have deep, long-established connections in conjunto music and the wider regional Mexican-American community.
Alvarez said the exhibit is a celebration of conjunto music, the artists who were instrumental in its growth, grassroots traditions, and how the music has been an enduring cultural force for generations of peoples living in South Texas and northern Mexico.
“This exhibit really does explore the vitality of conjunto music as a living and layered cultural archive,” Alvarez said. “It positions the region in Central Texas, South Texas, the borderlands as this dynamic crossroads where musical traditions have intersected and evolved over time. It also honors and celebrates the pioneers that have shaped the Texas soundscape.”
Alvarez said “Puro Conjunto” just scratches the surface of a vibrant, comprehensive heritage of music. But, she added, the exhibit, split into four thematic areas, helps to educate visitors who may not know much about conjunto music, and connect fans with the genre’s history, and legendary performers they have grown to admire over decades.
More interactive elements of the exhibit include a dance floor, a hands-on station where visitors can play an accordion, guitar and a drum, and a listening lounge where guests can play select digitized tunes from aforementioned artists’ records that are on display.
“That gives you some ambient audio. Maybe someone can attempt to dance with that guachito on the dance floor,” Alvarez said. This music is intended to be experienced and danced to in the community.”
Additionally, the exhibit viewers are invited to scan a QR code on site, which takes them to a digital form, where they can choose a conjunto song from a drop down list and dedicate it to a friend or loved one.
Alvarez said “Puro Conjunto” will be accompanied by occasional special themed activities. The exhibit runs through May 30, 2027. Entry is allowed with ITC admission. The museum is located at 111 W. Houston St., Suite 121.
