MEXICAN BRASS 

Wednesday, Sept. 24 • 7 pm

If you loved Herb Alpert and his Tijuana Brass, you’ll be jumping out of your seat when Mexican Brass takes the stage at Grand Junction’s Avalon Theatre.

This quintet of classically trained musicians delivers an experience that’s equal parts virtuosity and fun. Their program ranges from Handel’s “Hornpipe” to mariachi stylings like “Son de la Negra,” and even Beatles favorites like “Michelle.”

Reviewers rave that they’re “the best thing to come out of Mexico since tequila” and “virtuosos with a sense of humor.” And their résumés are as impressive as their stage presence:

Trombonist Roberto Carlos Cruz studied at the National Conservatory of Music, where his dedication to brass performance earned him opportunities to study in masterclasses with the Paris Opera and Chicago Symphony.

French horn player Juan Carlos Quiterio, a Mexico City native, began with the José Pablo Moncayo Youth Orchestra before advancing to professional ensembles such as the Canadian Brass. Today he is principal horn for the Philharmonic Orchestra of Toluca, Mexico.

The only non-Hispanic member of the group, trumpeter Alexander Freund was born in Berlin, Germany, and later earned his doctorate from McGill University in Montreal. He has played with major symphonies in Mexico and now teaches at Georgia State University while performing with the Atlanta Opera.

Oscar Villegas Miranda also plays trumpet and studied at the National Conservatory of Music. He is principal trumpet in Toluca and teaches at several conservatories. 

Carrying the bass line is José Lopez Juárez from Texcoco, who has played with orchestras across Mexico and has been principal tuba with the Pachuca Symphony Orchestra since 2002. 

Together, these musicians have played on some of the world’s greatest stages. Their artistry and antics promise an evening that’s as entertaining as it is musically brilliant. As one reviewer put it: “You can listen to music—or you can live it!” 

Enter to win tickets from the BEACON!

WADDINGTON BROTHERS 

Sunday, Oct. 12 • 3 pm

Give the Waddington Brothers a warm Western Slope welcome when they bring their cowboy-bluegrass harmonies to the Avalon. 

The four brothers—Seth, Ethan, Jacob and Job—grew up singing with their dad around the kitchen table in North Dakota. That led to the creation of their band in 2019, and in 2023, they took first place at the International Band Champions competition in Nashville.

Seth, the eldest, sings lead and plays guitar. Ethan plays banjo while his twin brother Jacob strums the mandolin. Youngest brother Job sets the pace on the stand-up bass. Together, they create a sound that drives audiences to foot-stompin’, hand-clappin’ enthusiasm.

Their set mixes bluegrass favorites with cowboy ballads and original songs. Expect John Denver classics alongside songs like “Saving Up for a Sunny Day” and “Now I’m Home,” which they discovered in a small Wyoming café. 

“I could keep going but our favorites list might get a little too long!” Ethan laughed.

Touring isn’t always easy. The brothers play around 60 shows a year. But they say the joy of connecting with audiences outweighs the challenges. 

After their concert, the brothers will greet fans in the Avalon lobby, where you can meet them, pick up a CD and take home a memory of the show. 

Enter to win tickets from the BEACON!

GET YOUR TICKETS—SIX CONCERTS FOR $90+

The Mexican Brass and Waddington Brothers perform at the Avalon, 645 Main St. in Grand Junction. Doors open one hour before the show. 

Season ticket prices range from $90-$110 plus fees, depending on your seating preference. If available, individual concert tickets are $45 plus fees, starting three weeks before the concert. 

All tickets can be purchased in person at the Avalon box office (open Thursday through Saturday, 12-6 p.m.), by calling 970-263-5757 or at Ticketmaster.com

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