Norteno Music Legend Ramon Ayala to Receive Key to the City

COACHELLA, CA. (Top 40 Charts/ Spotlight 29 Casino) - With more than 100 albums and countless awards to his credit, Ramon Ayala has been the name behind norteno, conjunto and tejano music, spawning followers and imitators. Now the original master will be in concert at Spotlight 29 Casino on January 27, and he will be awarded a key to the City of Coachella during the concert. Coachella Mayor Eduardo Garcia will present Ayala with a key to the city.

WHO: Ramon Ayala and City of Coachella Mayor Eduardo Garcia

WHAT: Ayala to be awarded key to the city

WHEN: Sunday, January 27, 2008; concert starts at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella

HOW: Media is welcome; credentials are required

411: Critics have said that Ayala's influence on modern music cannot be overstated, as most norteno groups today use his style as their musical foundation and perform their songs. In the 1990s, when tejano (the modern version of the conjunto style Ayala practically invented) revisited its accordion roots, with synthesizers often replacing the accordion, it was the great master's sound they emulated. Now generally considered a classic musician, Ayala has won multiple American and Latin Grammy awards.

TICKETS: $45, $40 and $35, available at Spotlight29.com, at the Spotlight 29 Casino Gift Shop or by calling (800) 585-3737
CONTACT: Paul Speirs, Steinbeck Communications (702) 413-4278, [email protected]