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I have been a musician all my life. I play piano and organ for all occasions. I became a performer/entertainer for the Howl at the Moon franchise, here in San Antonio, from 1994 to 1999, then went to Universal City, Hollywood to open the HOWL club there and perform there from 2000 to 2009. I returned home to work at the Magic Theater, as musician, then later as Music Director. Throughout all the years, I enjoyed being in creative projects the most; bands or musical theater. I was part of the original rock opera production of Alice & Wonderland that opened in 1973. Throughout the years, I have stayed busy either playing in bands or writing a show; always creating. I have two musicals on the shelf, and a rock opera I am currently finishing up. We performed a production of the rock opera, PARADISE CITY, in the fall of 2017 at the Josephine Theater. We performed it over a weekend in October. It was well received, but we could not do more days, as we had only the funds to pay everyone and cover expenses for a 3 day run. I am currently re-writing and tightening the show.
One last thing. My grandfather, Cenobio Hernandez was a musician/composer. He played for the silent movies here in San Antonio, during the 20’s. He played at The Palace Theater and at the Majestic and others. In the last 10 years of his life he composed around 32 waltzes, 25 or so polkas for piano. He didn’t play the piano. He played the double bass, cello and bajo sexto. This music is written do ... view more »
MORE ABOUT THIS ARTIST
Artist Medium: Audio/Sound
Artist Statement of Work
Tell us about your work (style, approach, philosophy, subject and/or theme):
I grew up with music. I come from a musical family. There was always music in the house. My mother loved the great musicals like South Pacific, The King and I, Westside Story, and the classics. My grandfather and his brother were serious musicians. My uncles were musicians. So there were always gatherings at my grandmother's and later at our house with my father's friends who he used to play with. Violinists, a trumpet player, two wonderful pianists, an opera singer; that was my environment.
I took piano lessons playing classical music.There was a baby grand in our house. My older sisters played as well. But when I heard Ray Charles and James Brown, and then the Beatles, my life changed.
My style? My approach? My philosophy? I LOVE MUSIC! I love to play. It brings me joy and I found that I can share that joy with people. It becomes a communal experience. My teachers were my father's friends, and several mentors throughout my life.
I have been blessed to continue to play. I am here, by the Grace of God. My life's purpose is to share the gift, whether it is expressed on solo piano, or a duet or in a band or a church or in a rock opera. Or playing my grandfather's music. It's what I do, and I love it.