Victoria's Bandolero Band Returns To The Stage

If you grew up in Victoria, there is a good chance that you went to a dance, wedding, or Quinceañera where Jesse Escalona and the Bandolero Band were playing. They were one of the many fantastic Tejano groups that came from Victoria.

Jesse Escalona and the Bandolero Band were a family tradition.

The Bandolero Band was definitely a family affair, led by Mr. Jesse Escalona. He was a part of the music scene in Victoria for four decades. In the Bandolero Band, he was the lead singer and played guitar and accordion.

It was in the 80s and 90s when the group took it to the next level. They released an album titled "Puro Cambio," giving us their smash hit "El Congolengio," which also showcases Jesse's daughter, Valarie's powerful voice. Jesse Escalona and the Bandolero Band performed until Jesse Escalona's passing in August 2021.

The Bandolero Band is back to continue Jesse Escalona's musical legacy.

A recent post to social media got people buzzing about the return of the Bandolero Band. On her personal Facebook page, Valarie shared a new page called "Bandolero Band" with the caption "coming soon." I was curious, so I reached out to her. She confirmed the band is coming back to continue her dad's musical legacy.

The band will include mostly original members of the original Bandolero Band. Here is the lineup for the new Bandolero Band.Valarie Escalona Valdez - Vocals, Sax, Keyboards

Jesse Escalona Jr. - Sax, Keyboards, Vocals
Pete Escalona - Guitar, Vocals, Sax
Charlie Gonzalez - Bass
Victor Garcia Jr. - Drums
Armando Trevino - Accordion
Jesse Tijerina - Vocals.

The Bandolero Band's first comeback performance will be this weekend, Friday, May 15, at H8ters in Victoria. It's great to have the Bandolero Band back in Victoria. Mr. Jesse Escalona will always be a part of Tejano music history in Victoria.

Side note: The first time I ever did anything on stage was with the Bandolero Band. I was invited to work the light box during one of their performances at the Victoria Community Center Annex in the late 80s/early 90s.