Jose Ruben de Leon took the stage to interpret the life and music of famous Mexican composer and artist, Agustin Lara at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts on Saturday, Sept. 29.
Known as “El Musico Poeta,” Lara was widely respected and recognized as one of the most important singer/songwriters of his era and of all time.
De Leon, an actor, playwright, and musician, performed in front of a full house that evening and earned several standing ovations throughout his performance. He was accompanied by the father-son musicians George Prado (bass) and Aaron Ellington Prado (piano).
This performance of “Simplemente Lara” marked its sixtieth since its premiere in May 2005. Last year, the Webb County Heritage Foundation awarded De Leon for his work.
At the beginning of his performance, de Leon expressed his “deep connection to this music and to this man.”
He introduced each of the 21 songs he performed by telling stories about the life and love of Lara. People were stunned and impressed with his performance.
“Fantastic…beautiful voice, pianist and bass player. He puts on a great show,” hailed attendee and author Ricardo Palacio.
“It was wonderful!” said Annie Serna, a local fan. “It brought back a lot of memories from our parents. Lara was an incredible composer.”
De Leon is a theatre arts graduate from the University of Incarnate Word and now lives in San Antonio, where he continues to write, act, perform and record.
His interpretations of Lara and Federico Garcia Lorca’s music can be purchased at www.farolitomusic.com. For booking information, de Leon can be contacted at 210.431.2521 or jose@farolitomusic.com.