Los Bandits: More Than A Tex-Mex Band
Producer/Director: Dhera Strauss

A feature length documentary, "Los Bandits: More Than A Tex-Mex Band" rocks and cumbias. This local musical group, the inspiration of two men--René Meave and Guillermo Martinez—was launched more than a dozen years ago. In addition to featuring originally written and scored music, the program presents many stories. Stories which come from the music, but also from informative and poignant interviews with René and Guillermo. In both they reveal their origins in Mexico and Texas and how they brought their talent, creativity, and mission to western Michigan.

Their story is not unique. Hundreds of new immigrants to los Estados Unidos followed this same route, from picking vegetables to the purchase of small farms and the opening of restaurants, taking pride in their new lives and country. And they have formed communities that are now thriving all across the United States.

René and Guillermo reflect the feelings of that community but they are true bandits as well. Their music borrows heavily from rock and roll, reggae, and the blues while their politics is inspired by their heros: Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata, George Washington, and Cesar Chavez. More than a Tex-Mex band, they cumbia to their own beat.

Funded In Part By:
Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo
Irving S. Gilmore Foundation Emerging Artist Grant Program
Arts Fund of Kalamazoo County

In-Kind Support:

Kalamazoo College