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An original American music form some consider as important as Jazz or Bluegrass

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT)  --  Are you familiar with Conjunto Music? An expert in the genre will make a mid-state appearance this week to explain why you should be.

Dr. Dan Margolies of Virginia Wesleyan College has been studying Conjunto for years and says it really should get more respect.

“Conjunto music is the major social dance music of the Mexican American community of South Texas. The principal instrumentation is the accordion and a 12 string bass called the bajo sexto.”

Margolies says the Mexican American community has struggled to keep the music form alive and vibrant. He really thinks it should get more musical respect.

“Conjunto is up there with the major Southern American music: Cajun Music, Appalachian Old Time Music, Bluegrass and Jazz as a hybrid form that only exists in America as a result of the rich cultural tradition of the region.”

Dr. Margolies will speak about the music this Wednesday at Middle Tennessee State University. He’s bringing along what he calls two of the genre’s best known artists, accordionist Lorenzo Martinez and guitarist Ramon “Rabbit” Sanchez.

You can enjoy an evening of Conjunto beginning at 7:30 p.m. at MTSU’s Center for Popular Music.