Tejano fans and musicians marked the return of the Tejano Music Awards to San Antonio over the weekend.
But the show was notably different from the way it was ten years ago with less people attending what used to be a very popular and sold-out show.
While the industry has gone through many changes artists and fans believe the music lives on.
“Its full circle. We’re going full circle.”
The Tejano Music Awards were back in San Antonio after a ten year absence from the Alamodome.
A red carpet welcoming artists to the city where it all began.
“Performing tonight so looking forward to it.”
“Its been a really long time but it feels good. It feels great to be with these guys.”
There were many new artists taking it all in for the first time.
Others glad to still be a part of the industry.
“I think I’m very blessed to be here I was here 32 years ago. In the inception of the Tejano Awards I was one of the groups of the first Tejano Awards.”
But there was a noticeable difference.
Less than half in attendance than there used to be.
However some believe the genre is about to get a boost in popularity again.
“It’s on an upswing and we're glad it's coming back.”
“ We’re working towards the whole Alamodome just like it used to be. And we're getting there.”
And people here say Tejano is alive and well and it showed up to see the dome rockin’ with Tejano once again.
“I tell you what it feels good to be back at the Alamodome. I freaked out. I couldnt even park which is a good thing.”
One of the artists returning to the stage, Emilio Navaira.
Grateful for the fans who stuck with Tejano over the year
“Every body in Laredo. I’ve been in Laredo forever and I love you guys.”
And grateful for the ones that continue listening to the music and traveling to the awards no matter where they're being hosted.
“it feels great. i think this is what the Tejano market needed its been long overdue. Its not all of it its good.”
“I forgot how much walking it is in the dome but yeah walking around yeah we spent a lot of special award shows in the dome and it’s a lot of great memories and now we're building new ones.”
“Its very much alive and I’m very glad to be a part of it.