Band biography

 
Rick Hernandez – Saxophone & Back up Vocals (Band Manager)
Robert Grijalva - Lead Vocals
Rainie Moreno Duarte - Vocals
Danny Corral - Bass/Back Up Vocals
Carlos Olivas - Drums/Back Up Vocals
Patsy Palacios - Keyboards/Back Up Vocals
Lead Guitar - TBA

In loving memory of our founder and keyboardist, Danny Sanchez

The “Festival” Band (FESTIVAL is pronounced in Spanish) is a musical group based out of Tucson, Arizona that originated in 1981. However, in 2002 the original band broke up and in June 2009 one of the original band members, Danny Sanchez, re-established the band with other local musicians. Danny’s love for music and his keyboards could not stay away from the entertaining business much longer. He then contacted his brother, another original band member, and talented drummer, Eddie Sanchez, to help re-establish the band. Knowing the band would need an artistic saxophone player; Danny and Eddie contacted their high school friend, Rick Hernandez, who had taken a 25 year break from playing music, but in no time  proved he could still play the saxophone. Danny, Eddie and Rick had been performing together since 2009, but have had a few band member changes (past members are listed below).  In November 2012, Robert Grijalva made his return and came on board officially as the Lead Singer. Because of Robert's diverse and unique voice the band has added a variety of music to their song list, which includes both old school and newer Funk and R&B music. After three unforgettable years, Robert Grijalva left the group in January 2016 to pursue a career in Texas. However, Robert returned to Tucson in June of 2018 and continued as FESTIVAL’s lead singer as though he never left. In May 2018, Danny Corral accepted the role as Bass Player and brought his years of experience as bass player to FESTIVAL. We had a few challenges with replacing the drummer position, after a lifetime of playing drums, our Co-Founder and drummer, Eddie Sanchez, announced he would retire from the music industry... but finally Carlos Olivas committed to the group as our drummer. Carlos comes to us with lots of experience and is a very talented musician. In November 2019, we welcomed our FIRST female vocalist to FESTIVAL. Rainie Moreno Duarte is no stranger to the music biz. Rainie started singing Mariachi at the age of fourteen. Her Love for music moved her on to different genres, including Gospel, classic rock, country, Tejano and blues. Rainie has auditioned for “The Voice,” “American Idol,” and was the the winner of the “Estrella Latina” in Phoenix Arizona 2008, and in October 2019 was awarded Arizona’s best Christian talent Soloist. We are very proud to have Rainie as a part of The FESTIVAL Band. After five awesome years, our keyboardist, Tommy Rogers took a medical leave from music in December 2023; however, we are happy that Patricia (Patsy) Palacios accepted the position and in January 2024 she became our keyboardist. Not only does Patsy play keys, but she can also sing! Patsy's singing career started at an early age and currently leads her church's choir so she is not a novice in the music business... and not to mention, she is our lead singer's sister (Robert Grijalva). We are so proud to have wonderful lead and back up vocals from all our band members.

Despite the changes with the band members over the years, FESTIVAL's music continues to excel and the band continues learning new cover songs without skipping a beat! It is with great sadness to say that in April 2016, our brother and founder, Danny Sanchez, passed away, but we will continue his legacy for as long as we can. A couple years later, Danny's brother, Eddie Sanchez, retired his drums, and blessed us with continuing the band's name, Festival.

FESTIVAL’s musical influences include Jay Perez, David Lee Garza, La Diferenzia, Fito Olivares, Art Tigerina, Rudy Palacios, Shelly Lares, Stefani Montiel and Elida Reyna.  Although their main genre is Tejano music, other influences include Tower of Power, Malo, Kumbia Kings and other artists. Whether playing for a special event or private function, the musicians who comprise The Festival Band are dedicated and focused on providing excellent music to their diverse audience and to reach their main goal: to provide “live music without borders.”

Besides several local charity events, weddings and quinceañeras, The Festival Band has entertained at venues in Tucson such as Little Mexico Steakhouse,  Brother John's, Casino Del Sol Paradiso Bar & Lounge, Eclipse Bar & Lounge, F.O.E. Eagles, Las Cazuelitas Event Center, Boondocks Lounge, M&L’s Airport Inn, The Rock, Wildcat House, Cafe Santa Rosa, Chicago Bar, St. Phillip's Plaza and the historic El Casino Ballroom. Festival  has had the pleasure of having Rudy Palacios, David Marez, Adalberto Gallegos, and Al Muñiz sing with band at some of these venues. Additionally, Festival has opened Tejano concerts for legends such as David Marez, Ram Herrera, Jesse Serrata, The Latin Breed, Grupo Stampede, Rudy Palacios, Roger Velasquez, Grupo Maldad, Rick Balderrama and Henry Rivas, and Art Tigerina Band. Most recently, Festival had the honor of backing up the energetic Art Tigerina in July 2015. Thanks to Perez Promotions, Skyline Promotions and Se Salen Promotions for the opportunities.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS:

San Antonio Fan Fair: Festival's First Trip to the Tejano Fan Fair in San Antonio, Texas in March 2011. Festival was also the guest of honor at the Hot Tin Roof and special performers included, David Marez, Rudy Palacios, Jorge Alejandro, Henry Silvas, and Tony Faas, who were backed up by an All-Star Band headed by Markie Hernandez. This event was made possible by Perez Promotions.

Tejano Music National Convention: We were so honored to have been selected to perform at the Las Vegas Tejano Music National Convention's Gran Baile with some of the greatest Tejano Music artists like Jay Perez and David Lee Garza on August 6, 2016! We thank the team at the Tejano Music National Convention who selected The Festival Band out of the many talented groups from all over the nation.

MUSIC:
The Festival Band has spent the past years enhancing a number of cover songs and adding in their unique sound in order to continue entertaining their diverse fans in their hometown of Tucson, Arizona. Festival composed three original songs in August 2016 and will be releasing their first full CD in mid 2024.

THE FESTIVAL BAND'S PAST BAND MEMBERS:

Andres Villegas - Guitar (Nov 2021 - Jun 2024)
Tommy Rogers - Keyboardist (Apr 2018 - Dec 2023)
RD Ogas - Percussion/Guitar (Dec 2018 - Sept 2022)
Chris Trujillo - Accordion/Trumpet/Back Up Vocals (Mar 2018 - Aug 2019)
Joe Chavez - Trumpet (Dec 2015 - Jan 2019)
Val West - Guitar (June 2018 - Dec 2018)
Mark Brugler - Bass (Aug 2014 - May 2018)
Abelino Sanchez - Lead Vocals (Jan 2016 - Jan 2018)
Mike Suarez - Lead Guitar (Sept 2013 - Dec 2017)
Scott Anderson - Trumpet/Trombone/Keyboards (Nov 2012 - July 2017)
Robert Grijalva, Lead Vocals (Nov 2012 - Jan 2016) - Returned in 2018
Carl McCurry, Tenor Sax (August 2012 - June 2015)
RD Ogas, Bass (Feb 2014-July 2014) - returned in 2018
Charlie Cunes, Bass (Dec 2011 - Dec 2013)
Patrick Kelly, Guitar (Dec 2011 - Oct 2013)
Bob Molina, Sr, Bass (June 2013 - Aug 2013)
Bobby Valenzuela, Lead Vocals (Feb 2010 - Oct 2012)
Tommy Rogers, Keyboards (Jan 2012 - July 2012) - Returned in 2018
Hector Velasquez, Guitar (Apr 2011 - Nov 2011)
Dan Allard, Guitar (Feb 2010 - Mar 2011)
James Navarrette, Bass (Nov 2010 - Nov 2011)
Johnny Borjon, Keyboards (Oct 2010 - Apr 2011)

We'd like to give a heart felt thank you to John Sanchez (no relation to Danny Sanchez) for his help on keyboards from April through September 2016.