Mario Tarradell

Dallas Tejano music fans are about to welcome an old friend back home. The beloved, Texas-born genre, the one with the rhythmic cumbias and the jovial polka-based numbers, as well as its musical cousin, the rootsy conjunto, will take center stage this weekend during the Tejano Music National Convention.

The three-day shindig, which takes place downtown at the Hyatt Regency and the Dallas Convention Center, makes its Big D debut after four years in Las Vegas. According to organizers at the February press conference announcing the event, the convention hopes to draw as many as 10,000 fans and industry professionals and will return to Dallas in 2009.

Photos by Kevin Crawford

Michael Salgado

Let's take a quick look at some of the highlights you can expect as the 2008 Tejano Music National Convention kicks up its stylish boot heels.

For those who want deeper insight into the genre, Friday and Saturday come packed with what should be revealing seminars such as "Tejano Music Today: State of the Industry" (Friday) and "Industry Track: Country & Tejano Music" (Saturday). Both are at the Hyatt Regency, and both could serve as primers for Tejano's present and future as well as its evolving image.

Jay Perez

Friday and Saturday nights are all about making music and hitting the dance floor. Reunion performances by La Sombra de Tony Guerrero and Fama give you a blast from the '80s past on Friday. The soulful Jay Perez and the explosive Shelly Lares take the stage Friday, too. Dig up some roots on Saturday night with conjunto stalwarts the Hometown Boys and Los Garcia Brothers. Later that same evening, catch robust Michael Salgado and supersuave Ruben Ramos on the platform. All shows are at the Dallas Convention Center.

Ruben Ramos

Ever dreamed of playing an instrument prominently used in Tejano music? Here's your chance. Three master class series take place Saturday from late morning to early afternoon at the Hyatt Regency. Joe Posada dissects the saxophone, Lonny LaLane talks about the trumpet and a musician to be announced will explore the accordion and bajo sexto, two Tejano staples.

Shelly Lares

Just in time for the concerts are dance lessons, which will be held Friday and Saturday at the Hyatt Regency. You know you want to get your groove on when, say, Mr. Perez or Ms. Lares entertains the crowd. Hey, they don't call Tejano concerts dances for nothing.

That's what Sunday's all about: more than 100 booths for networking, buying and selling, and Tejano industry business. Oh, and you can meet Grammy winner Chente Barrera y Taconazo, Hugo Guerrero (El Charanga King) and Dallas-based Conjunto Prestigio, among others. Pose for pictures with them and get their autographs. Let them know how special their music has been in your life. Remember that without you, they have no livelihood.