The Frontera Image Archive contains historical vintage photos and images associated with the Arhoolie Foundation’s Strachwitz Collection of Mexican American and Mexican Recordings. This collection was originally started by Chris Strachwitz. More images will be added after they are processed.
Note: To view the image notes when viewing on phones and tablets, click the “+ symbol on the left and the data will appear below the photo.
When searching for band names use as few words as possible. For instance do not search for Los Alegres de Teran, just use Alegres de Teran.
id
Image:
Data:
2
Abrego y Picazo Abrego Picazo
Catalog Number: afia8.jpg
Subjects: Abrego y Picazo Abrego Picazo
Notes: This Duo recorded for Columbia, and Victor.
Photographer:
Date
size: 3.8 x 4.8
3
Agapito Zuniga
Catalog Number: afia1083.jpg
Subjects: Agapito Zuniga
Notes: Headshot of Agapito with accordion.
Photographer:
Date
size: 5x7
4
Agapito Zuniga
Catalog Number: afia1084.jpg
Subjects: Agapito Zuniga
Notes: Headshot of Agapito with accordion
Photographer:
Date
size: 8x10
5
Alberto Vasquez
Catalog Number: afia1063.jpg
Subjects: Alberto Vasquez
Notes:
Photographer:
Date
size: 4x6
6
Alejandro Montenegro
Catalog Number: afia825.jpg
Subjects: Alejandro Montenegro
Notes: Autographed headshot.
Photographer:
Date
size: 8x10
7
Alfonso Ramos y Su Orquesta
Catalog Number: afia853.jpg
Subjects: Alfonso Ramos y Su Orquesta
Notes: Promo image for El Zarape Records.
Photographer:
Date
size: 8x10
8
Alfonzo Villagomez
Catalog Number: afia908.jpg
Subjects: Alfonzo Villagomez
Notes: Photo of Villagomez en su primer talacho de su compania Discos del Bravo.May 8, 1968
Photographer:
Date
size: 5x7
9
Amadeo Flores - Conjunto Ideal
Catalog Number: afia177.jpg
Subjects: Amadeo Flores - Conjunto Ideal
Notes: Amadeo Flores, Rodolfo Leal, Jose Garcia, Lalo Salinas
Photographer:
Date
size: 8x10
10
Amadeo Flores - Conjunto Ideal
Catalog Number: afia178.jpg
Subjects: Amadeo Flores - Conjunto Ideal
Notes: Headshot for Ideal.
Photographer:
Date
size: 8x10
11
Amadeo Flores y Su Conjunto Ideal
Catalog Number: afia176.jpg
Subjects: Amadeo Flores y Su Conjunto Ideal
Notes: on the poster-Amadeo Flores y Su Conjunto Ideal presentan en su primer album de larga duracion, polkas, rancheras, bolero que le han dado gran popularidad y personalidad a este conjunto. Musica que hace, que siente y que interpreta la gente alegre y sencilla del Norte.
Photographer:
Date
size: 8x10
12
Americo Gomez Americo Gomez y Su Conjunto
Catalog Number: afia228.jpg
Subjects: Americo Gomez Americo Gomez y Su Conjunto
Notes: 45 and LP song titles listed on reverse.
Photographer:
Date
size: 3x5
13
Andres Berlanga Manuel Arrellano
Catalog Number: afia40.jpg
Subjects: Andres Berlanga Manuel Arrellano
Notes:
Photographer:
Date
size: 5x7
14
Antonio Aguilar
Catalog Number: afia9.jpg
Subjects: Antonio Aguilar
Notes:
Photographer:
Date
size: 3.6 x 5.4
15
Antonio Avitia Florencio Estrada Frumencio Estrada
Catalog Number: afia4.jpg
Subjects: Antonio Avitia Florencio Estrada Frumencio Estrada
Notes: Date of Photo ca. 1918. Florencio Estrada - Guitar, Frumencio Estrada - Accordion both became Cornels of the Cristero Army and both killed in 1936 by Federales during the 2nd Cristero Rebellion 1934-41.
Photographer:
Date
size: 5 x 7
16
Arturo Vasquez
Catalog Number: afia1066.jpg
Subjects: Arturo Vasquez
Notes: Headshot with playlistMala MujerRecuerdoTriste CondenadaDespues de AquelloSe Que Es ImposiblePeligrosaQue Me Puede Ya Importar
Photographer:
Date
size: 8x10
17
Augustin Gallardo y Conjunto
Catalog Number: afia232.jpg
Subjects: Augustin Gallardo y Conjunto
Notes: Bego Recording artist Mcallen, Texas.
Photographer:
Date
size: 3x5
18
Augustine Ramirez and His Group
Catalog Number: afia866.jpg
Subjects: Augustine Ramirez and His Group
Notes:
Photographer:
Date
size: 8x10
19
Augustine Ramirez Y Su Orquesta
Catalog Number: afia867.jpg
Subjects: Augustine Ramirez Y Su Orquesta
Notes:
Photographer:
Date
size: 8x10
20
Aurelia Maria
Catalog Number: afia835.jpg
Subjects: Aurelia Maria
Notes:
Photographer:
Date
size: 8x10
21
Balde Gonzalez
Catalog Number: afia234.jpg
Subjects: Balde Gonzalez
Notes:
Photographer:
Date
size: 3x4
22
Banda
Catalog Number: afia48.jpg
Subjects: Banda
Notes: El C. Gobernador del Edo __ Elpidio G. Velazquez con la Banda del Poblado donó los instrumentos.Durango 1941 (actual date of photo unknown)
Photographer:
Date 1/1/1941
size: 5x7
23
Beto Villa
Catalog Number: afia1078.jpg
Subjects: Beto Villa
Notes: Studio portrait of Beto with sax.
Photographer:
Date
size: 8x10
24
Beto Garza
Catalog Number: afia215.jpg
Subjects: Beto Garza
Notes: Bego Recording ArtistBeto Garza Manager122 Daniel StreetSan Antonio, Texas
Photographer:
Date
size: 8x10
25
Beto Villa Y Su Orquesta
Catalog Number: afia1077.jpg
Subjects: Beto Villa Y Su Orquesta
Notes:
Photographer:
Date
size: 8x10
26
Cancionero Chelo Silva Falcon
Catalog Number: afia942.jpg
Subjects: Cancionero Chelo Silva Falcon
Notes: "El Fronterizo" Cancionero (song book) num. 6 ano I,1955.
Photographer:
Date
size: 5x7
Dear friends,
On Giving Tuesday, we announced the capital campaign to purchase our building at 10341 San Pablo Ave in El Cerrito — home to the Arhoolie Foundation (and before that Arhoolie Records), Les Blank Films, and Down Home Music Store since 1976. We’ve been heartened by the community’s response to our fundraising announcement. To all who have donated so far: thank you. We couldn’t do this without you.
Now, while there is a contract in place to buy the building in partnership with Les Blank Films, we need to raise $1.2 million — our half of the purchase price — by April 15. Donations to the campaign can be made via the link below, by check, or by bank transfer. (To make a bank transfer, please email us at info@arhoolie.org).
In the new year, we look forward to collaborating with Les Blank Films and Down Home Music to bring more public programming to our community. We plan to revive Les Blank and Chris Strachwitz’s tradition of in-store film screenings and will host more informal, free performances and gatherings in the store as part of our outreach work. We believe this collaboration will result in a vibrant community gathering place dedicated to music, film, and deep roots culture.
If you’re interested in donating and would like to discuss our plans for the building, please don’t hesitate to email director Adam Machado at adam@arhoolie.org.
Thank you for your support as we begin this exciting new chapter!