Recognized worldwide because the “King of Conjunto,” Tex-Mex accordion grasp Leonardo “Flaco” Jimenez was born in San Antonio, TX, on March 11, 1939, and died on July 31, 2025.
“From the West Facet to the World: Un Homenaje a Flaco Jimenez,” an exhibit that pays tribute to the multi-Grammy-winning artist, is now open on the Alamo Faculties Widespread Floor Gallery.
Eric Castillo is affiliate vice chancellor for Arts, Tradition and Group Influence at Alamo Faculties.
“We wished to have the ability to inform the story of who Flaco was, from his time within the Korean Battle, from his upbringing to his relationship together with his father, after which his South Texas regional impression and worldwide enchantment,” stated Castillo.
Flaco’s son Arturo Jimenez approached Castillo about the potential for presenting the exhibit after studying {that a} Flaco piece created by worldwide artist Vincent Valdez was just lately bought by the gallery. Castillo fortunately agreed to the proposal, so Arturo helped collect the historic gadgets, video footage, images, and all memorabilia now seen on the exhibit.
“I’m from San Antonio, born and raised,” stated Castillo. So, having the ability to look and perceive Flaco from a distinct lens, from his household’s lens, from his son’s eyes, you see from a distinct mild. You see him as a person, as a father, as a grandfather, however then additionally you study this complete iconic, worldwide connection he has.”
Classic household pictures, live performance footage, components of Flaco’s wardrobe, and his prized accordion encased in glass are among the many items that inform the story of grasp musician Jimenez’s contribution to San Antonio and the broader Tejano expertise.
“For me, I’m all concerning the fingers and coronary heart of individuals. And once we see their coronary heart and their fingers, and their accordions, and their awards, and their clothes, it simply makes it really feel extra actual,” stated Castillo. “It makes it really feel like Flaco is right here with us.”
The exhibit runs via July thirty first on the Widespread Floor Gallery within the Alamo School ACCESS Constructing at 2222 North Alamo Avenue.
Disclosure: Alamo Faculties is a sponsor of Texas Public Radio. We cowl them as we might any establishment, enterprise or group.
This story first appeared at Texas Public Radio.
