Ramón Ayala, October 8

Sunday, October 8, 7 p.m.

Adler Theatre, 136 East Third Street, Davenport IA

His extraordinary professional career including the release of more than two dozen albums over the span of more than half a century, legendary Mexican singer, accordion player, composer, and songwriter Ramón Ayala and his ensemble Sus Bravos Del Norte land at Davenport's Adler Theatre on October 8, the international talents noted for their thrilling renditions of traditional norteño music and for Ayala's fame as "King of the Accordion."

A genre of regional Mexican music developed in the late 19th century as a mixture between local Mexican music and Austrian-Czech-origin folk music, norteño finds its lyrics often dealing with socially relevant topics, although there are also many norteño love songs. The accordion and the bajo sexto are traditionally norteño's most characteristic instruments, and the genre is popular in both Mexico and the United States, especially among Mexican and Mexican-American communities. As exemplified by the skills and enthusiasm of Ramón Ayala y Sus Bravos Del Norte, a conjunto norteño is a type of Mexican folk ensemble that mostly includes diatonic accordion, bajo sexto, electric bass or double bass, drums, and occasionally the saxophone.

Meanwhile, accordionist, vocalist, and songwriter Ayala is a pioneer of norteño music who has sustained an active recording and performing career for more than 50 years, with La Pura Maña, his first album released as Ramón Ayala y Sus Bravos Del Norte, debuting back in 1971. As part of the trail-blazing duo Los Relámpagos del Norte, along with Cornelio Reyna, he defined the modern genre with signature songs and distinctive instrumental styling that have made him a superstar of the genre on both sides of the Rio Grande. In 2003, Ayala celebrated his 40th anniversary in the music business. and the 77-year-old Ayala’s influence on modern norteño music continues to grow, as young musicians study and emulate his distinctive style. To date, Ayala is also the recipient of two Grammy Awards and eight additional nominations, his victories including wins for Norteño Album and Best Mexican/Mexican-American Album.

Ramón Ayala y Sus Bravos Del Norte bring their national tour to Davenport on October 8, admission to the 7 p.m. concert event is $42.50-112.50, and tickets are available by calling (800)745-3000 and visiting AdlerTheatre.com.