Tibbits Entertainment Series presents Celestina Y Los Sanchez Concert at Tibbits Opera House

This event is by donation. Doors will open and seating for this event will begin 30 minutes prior to showtime.

This dynamic music performance celebrates both Hispanic Heritage month and the Cultivating Community programming. Well known throughout the Battle Creek and West Michigan region, Celestina y Los Sanchez performs Tejano Conjunto. The style refers to a small musical ensemble performing Tex-Mex music which fuses Mexican and US influences including country music, polka and waltzes.

Born and raised near Battle Creek, Celestina has been singing and performing since the age of 6 and by age 12 officially joined her uncles in the group headed by her grandfather, Lupe Sanchez.  Sanchez’s career began in the 1960s and by the 1970s he was performing most every weekend in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Ohio and Indiana.

In 2015 Celestina competed in the Tejano Idol competition in Austin, Texas where she was second runner-up and the only contestant not from the state of Texas. As a group Celestina y Los Sanchez has been recognized on multiple Tejano Conjunto Countdowns across the US and South America and their latest album is available on Spotify and Apple Music.

According to the Smithsonian Institute Tejano Conjunto or Tex-Mex Conjunto has been around for more than 100 years and is “one of the most enduring musical traditions among Mexicans and Mexican Americans.” One of the most celebrated entertainers Selena is credited with catapulting Tejano music to mainstream radio stations across the US and Mexico in the 1980s and 90s.

Emcee for the afternoon will be Daniel (Dano) Oropeza, a well-known advocate and radio host in West Michigan. With a long list of organizations which he has founded or assisted through organizing fundraisers or promoted through his broadcasts, he has made a significant impact on his community. He is co-founder of Despierta Kalamazoo Committee, co-host of Alma Latina for WMUK 102.1 FM, and DJ at Mi Gente Radio (MI Cumbia +) FB live365.

In addition to the concert, there will be a display of the flags of Central and South America.