Alice musicians continue to keep Tejano music alive

In the birthplace of Tejano music, local musicians are working to ensure this cultural tradition continues to thrive for future generations.

Albert Canales' love for Tejano started at a young age in Alice, where he grew up surrounded by the music.

"I grew up around it. I used to follow my uncle's band where my band played and be with a lunch box pretending it was an accordion," Canales said.

He listened to musicians like Ruben Naranjo, Jaime y Los Chamcos, and Albert Zamora. When he was a teenager, his grandparents bought him his first accordion.

"I got into Tejano music mainly because where I'm from which is Alice, Texas. It's considered the birthplace of Tejano music," Canales said.

For Canales, Tejano comes from the heart, and preserving the tradition is essential.

"It's really im