1956. One hot summer night, returning Korean war vet Augie Garcia got off the bus, put a dime in a pay phone, and put a band together that upstaged Elvis with an opening act so rockin’ that Colonel Parker kicked them off the stage of the St. Paul Auditorium! The Augie Garcia Quintet became regulars at the River Road Club and man, did they know how to stir up the crowd – “Hey Augie,” shouted piano player Cornbread Harris at the cool cat with the Bermuda shorts, “Step up on this here piano and give ’em what they want! Hi Ho Silver! And a 1 – and 2 – and…” The Godfather of Minnesota Rock ’n Roll took the sounds of his Mexican background and mixed them with rhythm and blues, creating a style like no other. Turn back the clock and join us for a night of boogie-woogie – Let the Good Times Roll, baby!
Previews:- Don’t know St. Paul rocker Augie Garcia? (Pioneer Press)
- Augie Garcia: The Godfather of Minnesota Rock n’ Roll (the current 89.3fm)
- The highlight of my life: Joe Minjares brings back Augie Garcia for rockin’ encore (minnpost)
- Augie Garica Story is one cool production, daddio (Pioneer Press)
- Augie Garcia story tears up the stage (Star Tribune)
- River Road Boogie at History Theatre (cherryandspoon.com)
- Totally entertaining music, dramatic heft (talkingbroadway.com)
- Interview with Playwright Joe Minjares and Director Raul Ramos
- Watch Sabor a Mi
- Watch River River Road Boogie
