Gertie and the T.O. Boyz |
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In 2003 Gertie formed the band "Gertie and the T.O.Boyz", which continues to specialize in old time Waila sounds to this day.
Original band members include: GERTIE on vocals and accordion, MARLON "HOTCH" FELIX- -Lead Guitar, DANIEL CORELLA --Bass, TOBIAS THOMAS --Drums, SOLANUS THOMAS --Bajo Sexto. Later, a saxophone and violin were added to the band as well.
Original band members include: GERTIE on vocals and accordion, MARLON "HOTCH" FELIX- -Lead Guitar, DANIEL CORELLA --Bass, TOBIAS THOMAS --Drums, SOLANUS THOMAS --Bajo Sexto. Later, a saxophone and violin were added to the band as well.
"Gertie and the T.O. Boyz" play throughout the Tohono O'odham Reservation as well as throughout Arizona and New Mexico playing private events such as celebrations and family gatherings, and larger dances for the broader community. Gertie and her band have also traveled to Minnesota and played larger venues in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and even a river boat cruise on the St. Croix river. Her music is joyful, playing Waila tunes that were written by her and her family.
The Band
While there are several band members that are invited to play with "Gertie and the T.O. Boyz" at different events, Mike and Fonzie are the two band members that are a constant in the Band, working with Gertie to present traditional Waila tunes to their audiences and share their craft.
Mike Lewis
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Mike was born in Tucson, Arizona but raised on the Tohoño O'odham Reservation in the village of Gu:vo'o, meaning Big Pound, and listened to Waila music being played, recorded, and sang on the Reservation.
Mike's cousin taught himself how to play the Bajo Sexto years before Mike would begin playing. But in 2007 Mike became interested in playing too, so his cousin began showing him techniques, chords, passing down the skill of playing Waila music to his younger cousin. Later Mike was formally taught Bajo by Gertie Lopez who not only plays the accordion but also the Bajo Sexto. Mike had followed Gertie and the T.O. Boyz for many years, listening to them, going to gigs, and learning tunes. Gertie would have different music jams at local bars where Mike began to get more playing experience, learn more tunes, and learn to play in a band. In those early years he especially enjoyed playing along with Western music and Johnny Cash tunes because his Grandmother had cassettes and old records that he could play and learn from at home. In 2011 Mike began playing with Gertie as her Bajo Sexto player. He also plays with other Waila bands because of his talent and skill he brings to the band. |
Fonzy Thomas
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Music has always been a part of Fonzie's life with generations of family members playing Waila music.
As a young boy, Fonzie loved the violin. His Great Grandfather played the violin and even played in one of the old time fiddler bands of which there are only a few remaining. Fonzie began to learn and play the violin as a 5th grader, following the musical traditions of his family. When he was a Junior in High School he and a friend would often go to the Education Center on the Reservation to use the computers and hang out with friends, but Fonzie always had his violin with him. Gertie is active at the Education center, working with younger children and families, and noticed Fonzie with his instrument and asked if he would be interested in playing Waila, even learning a specific Waila tune that would work well with the violin. Fonzie accepted and that began his long friendship with Gertie and journey into playing Waila music in her band. Soon after that first meeting, Fonzie was invited to play with the band at has been playing concerts, dances, parties and events with Gertie since. |
Fonzie's greatest inspiration has always been the musical legacy from his Great Grandfather and it's clear Fonzie is continuing the musical traditions of his ancestors to share with future generations.