Natives of Premont, Texas, Joe and Rosa currently reside in Olmito on the outskirts of Brownsville. They have lived in the Rio Grande Valley since 1980, relocating from Austin to accept teaching jobs in the border area, first in McAllen and then in Brownsville.
The couple produce and host North of the Border, an audio/ radio program of Mexican roots music presented with socio-historical commentary in English. With music selected for a thematic format, North of the Border has included themes like corridos, boleros, orquesta ranchera, accordion pioneers, big band sound, ranchera duets, and the European/Mexican connections. The program aired on KMBH FM 88, the NPR affiliate in the Lower Rio Grande Valley from 2002 - 2007.
Joe and Rosa also perform as a vocal and guitar duet they have named Rumbo al’ Anacua. They chose the name to honor Rosa’s godparents, who loved music and always found time to relax under an old anacua tree in their backyard in Kingsville, Texas. The music of Rumbo al’ Anacua keeps the tradition of music performed under anacua trees, around backyard tables, in dining rooms and on porches throughout South Texas. From its repertory the duet performs old música ranchera along with blues and folk music that include original compositions. Pieces of original poetry are woven throughout the presentation. As self-taught musicians, the interpretations of música ranchera by Rumbo al’ Anacua evoke a rustic style that speaks of a “voces y guitarras” heritage as it has been preserved among people living north of the Rio Grande. Playing 6-string and 12-string guitars, they like to say, “Music is too important to leave to the professionals.”
Rosa and Joe are founding members of the Narciso Martínez Writers’ Forum, which meets the first Tuesday of the month at the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center in San Benito. The Forum provides a venue for Valley writers to express their bi-lingual/bi-cultural literary interpretations of the region.
A former drafting and English teacher, Joe works as a technical writer. Rosa taught English and Mexican-American Studies at Hanna High School in Brownsville from 1984 until her retirement in 2001. She is a former Board Member of the Narciso Martínez Cultural Arts Center. Both have been volunteers at the NMCAC in San Benito and at the Casa de Cultura Carlotta Petrina in Brownsville.