Fans of New Mexico music got an extra special treat Nov. 22 because their one concert ticket got them 15 separate shows from some of New Mexico's most famous acts.

Linda Palacios made the four-hour drive from Hereford, Texas, to see the famous Sanchez brothers — Al Hurricane and Tiny Morrie — perform as part of the concert and awards show titled Los 15 Grandes de Nuevo Mexico, sponsored by the New Mexico Latin Music Academy.

"I had an album of Al Hurricane and I wanted to come hear him," Palacios said. "Him and Tiny Morrie."

She said she also was looking forward to seeing New Mexico's sweethearts, Sparx, and their brother, Lorenzo Antonio.

Florence and Charles Montaño of Pueblo, Colo., made the more than six-hour drive to attend the event.

"We love New Mexico music," Florence said as they waited in their seats for the show to start. They were a little tired from their trip, but "it was worth it."

Florence was most looking forward to seeing Lorenzo Antonio and Charles was most looking forward to seeing Tiny Morrie.

The couple love New Mexico music so much they make the long trip every couple of months to dance at Caravan East in Albuquerque.

Archie Garcia of Albuquerque didn't have to travel far to see his favorite act, Al Hurricane and Al Hurricane Jr. He hadn't seen them in concert before and he was "pretty happy" to be seeing them.

Morris and Mary Martinez made the drive into Corrales for the entertainment.

"The people who perform here in Albuquerque, they're pretty good," Morris said. They were looking forward to all the acts, "from the oldest to the youngest."

"We're proud of them all because they're New Mexicans," Mary said.

Before the show

Backstage at Route 66 Casino's Legends Theater (18 miles outside of Albuquerque) was bustling with activity last Saturday night. The sharply dressed mariachis in dressing room No. 3 were tuning their instruments and calmly sipping from bottles of water. One young woman had yet to put on her suit, as she forgot her white shirt.

Despite their overall calm, the members of Albuquerque's Mariachi Tenampa were nervous that they would have to go on without two of their members — the one who forgot her shirt and the one who was stuck in traffic bringing it to her.

Then, 12 minutes before show time, the missing musician showed up with the missing crisply pressed white shirt. A quick change and the group was ready to hit the stage.

"The group has been together for 37 years," said member Tamarah Lucero.

The group was getting ready to open the show and later perform with both Kristyna (Sanchez-Long) and the Sparx.

"It's fun," said Jose Santiago.

After taking the stage to open the show with a catchy number, Kristyna, one of the members of the Sparx, was getting ready for her solo performance in dressing room No. 1. She was standing in a stunning turquoise dress, sucking on a lozenge, looking very focused. She was recognized for her first solo song, "Ahora Vengo A Verte," at this year's awards ceremony.

Kristyna was inspired to do a solo when one of her idols, Yolanda Del Rio, was in Albuquerque to perform.

"Yolanda Del Rio was going to be coming in town to do a performance and she wanted one of us to sing with her, and I've always been a really big fan of hers, so I volunteered to do it," Kristyna said. "Fortunately, the people of New Mexico have really accepted the song, 'Ahora Vengo A Verte.' "

The song essentially is about losing a love, and Kristyna brings the pain to life with her dynamic performance.

"It's a very emotional song for me to sing and it's hard for me to not cry when I sing it," she said.

A lot of people are wondering whether Kristyna is going to do a solo album, but she's not sure yet. She's just focused on performing.

"I think that the best part is to be able to get on stage and act out the song and see the reactions of the people and just looking out into the audience and seeing your fans and the support that they give you," Kristyna said. "It's most fun for me when I'm actually on-stage."

Although Kristyna did a solo show, she'd like to make it clear that, "I'm not separating from my sisters or anything like that. We're still together and it's kind of nice to do both things."

Los Quince Grandes de Nuevo Mexico

The Sanchez family was recognized for their talents on Saturday night. Six of the 15 Grandes de Nuevo Mexico were from the same family, and to present Al Hurricane Sr. with his award were his mother, Bennie Sanchez, and his daughter, Danielle Sanchez.

"Al, we love your mom," shouted one member of the crowd as Bennie Sanchez made her way up the steps.

"Tengo mucho gusto esta noche," Bennie Sanchez said. Bennie explained in Spanish that she was happy to be there to present the award to one of her sons, one of three in the New Mexico music business — the other two being Tiny Morrie and Baby Gaby.

Al Hurricane was recognized for his song "Sonaron Cuatro Balazos."

Speaking of family, Max Kiehne couldn't have been more excited on Saturday night.

"El Gringo is my son," he shouted to his neighbor over the loud screams of the crowd as Quemoso took the stage. "It's fantastic. He's taken a while to get to where he is now but he's getting a lot of publicity and recognition. The name 'El Gringo' is really starting to take off."

"Without the fans, all of us musicians up here wouldn't have a job," said Shawn Kiehne, also known as El Gringo, as he got up to accept his award. "We've had a lot of good things happen to us this year. We've been real fortunate this year to be able to travel all over the country and play our music. I'm proud to say I'm from New Mexico and never forget that."

Contact Ana Maria Trujillo at 986-3084 or atrujillo@sfnewmexican.com.

AWARD RECIPIENTS

Lorenzo Antonio for "De Rodillas Te Pido"

Sparx for "Celoso" (Jealous Heart)

Rhythm Divine for "Doña Juana"

Al Hurricane Jr. for "A La Guerra Ya Me Llevan"

Kristyna for "Ahora Vengo A Verte"

Grupo Cielo for "A Puros Tragos"

Matthew Martinez and Jenna for "Dos Locos"

Steve Chavez for "Amorcito de Mi Vida"

Cultura for "Señor Cantinero"

El Gringo for "La Rama Del Mezquite"

Quemoso for "Vals de la Grama"

Samuel D. for "Cowboy Cumbia"

Al Hurricane for "Sonaron Cuatro Balazos"

Tiny Morrie for "Todos Lloramos"