A superstar Mexican singer-songwriter is bringing the sounds of Latin America to Yakima.
Pancho Barraza (birth name Francisco Javier Barraza Rodríguez) was born in Sinaloa, and was interested in music almost from birth. He received a degree in music education and taught music in a high school in Villa Union until he joined the pop-oriented group Karisma as a bassist. Barraza also worked with two “bandas” (groups that heavily feature brass) – the Banda Camino and the Banda San Sebastian.
In 1989, Barraza was approached by Banda los Recoditos, who wanted him to join their group as a singer and bassist. Unfamiliar with the group, he initially refused, but was intrigued by the offer and began to listen to them. When Recoditos asked a second time that year, Barraza agreed, and remained with them until the end of 1994. During his tenure, Banda los Recoditos released six albums that were commercially successful, and the band received airplay in countries along the West Coast. His impact was so great that when he left the group, they were known as Pancho Barraza y Banda los Recoditos.
He launched his solo career in 1995 with “Mis Canciones de Amor,” and has continued to enjoy a prolific and successful recording career, touring internationally, charting numerous times, and composing for himself and other artists.
Barraza will be at the Yakima Valley Sundome on August 9. Organizers of events like this often publicize them by using poster printing to create advertisements.
