Ramon Ayala keeps Go Tejano Day fans dancing at RodeoHouston

Ramón Ayala performs at the Rodeo Houston on Go Tejano Day, Sunday, March 8, 2020, in Houston. Ramón Ayala performs at the Rodeo Houston on Go Tejano Day, Sunday, March 8, 2020, in Houston. Photo: Marie D. De Jesús, Staff Photographer Photo: Marie D. De Jesús, Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 62 Caption Close Ramon Ayala keeps Go Tejano Day fans dancing at RodeoHouston 1 / 62 Back to Gallery

Go Tejano Day wasn’t a record breaker this year. But it was close.

Sunday’s show featuring Ramon Ayala y los Bravos del Norte drew 74,320 paid attendance. It’s the first time Go Tejano Day hasn’t broken the record since 2014. But the number was only about a thousand people less than previous Go Tejano Days. And it’s still likely to be one of this year’s most-attended shows.

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The annual mariachi competition preceded Ayala and was decided by audience applause. The winner was Mariachi Diamanté from Rio Grande City. Earlier in the day, 25 years after her final RodeoHouston performance, Selena was inducted into the Star Trail of Fame.

Ayala last played RodeoHouston in 2009 and remains a beloved figure. His instantly recognizable norteño sound spans generations, from grandparents to millennials to kids.

As soon as the nightly video intro was done, the stage lights rose on the band, who went directly into performing the mournful “El Tiempo Pasa.” It was met with the first of many cheers from the crowd.

Ayala and his band aren’t particularly showy. They did, however, shout out cities, birthdays and anniversaries. It gave the performance the feel of A “baile,” or dance.

Mostly, the songs just spoke for themselves. Classics “Tragos Amargos” and “Un Puño de Tierra” inspired singalongs as loud as any at RodeoHouston. “Atrás de la Raya” added some cumbia variety.

Grandson Christopher Ayala joined in on accordion for “Mi Piquito de Oro” and “Corrido de Gerardo Gonzalez.” Granddaughter Linda Ayala, in a sparkling gown, took lead vocals on “Mi Tesoro.”

Above the seats and through the aisles, couples and groups of friends danced along to the music. The only thing missing was the carne asada.

Joey Guerra is the music critic for the Houston Chronicle. Follow him on Twitter. Get experts’ picks for concerts, kids’ stuff, fine arts, movies and more by subscribing to the Preview entertainment newsletter.