The band with no limits

It’s not typical for professional musicians to cater to the likings of its audience, but Grupo Vital has never wanted to be a stereotypical band.

“We refer to ourselves as the band with no limits,” explained Rudy Garza. Rudy was a co-founder of the popular Tejano group “Fama.”

“Javier Galvan and I started Fama around 1984-1985. I was about 14, and we were considered the youngest group,” stated Rudy. He said he played with the group seven to eight years but wanted to return to school and venture out to do other things.

Rudy plays accordion and keyboard for Grupo Vital and his brother John Garza is a vocalist and plays trumpet and violin. Maria Pumarejo is the lead female vocalist, Eli Barron plays drums and sings, Ricky Rios plays bass and Taylor Trevino plays guitar and Bajo.

The band, that is from Houston, has played at various venues including Rodeo Houston, Hard Rock Café and recently returned from playing in Tennessee.

“We originated playing Tejano music but with this group we play an array of genres,” said Rudy. Those styles include rock, country, zydeco, disco, current hip-hop and a variety of other music.

Throughout their musical career Rudy said the band has learned to simply just “enjoy the music and appreciate it.”

“Other groups tend to not want to vary from their style of music but to us its more important to play the music that the crowd enjoys,” explained Rudy. “Despite what venue we show up to or crowd we get onstage in front of we are sure to play a style of music they can enjoy.”

Gupo Vital has a local following having played in Navasota many times and future performances scheduled. “We played at The Junction when they first opened and continue to play there,” said Rudy. Rudy said they played there a couple of years ago and are planning to play an anniversary concert there in the future.

“We love the people in Navasota. They are very hospitable. Every time we come to town the people are awesome and it feels like we are visiting family.”

Grupo Vital will take the stage Friday, June 21, at 6:30 p.m. for the “Sounds of Summer” music series in downtown Navasota next to city hall. The event is free to the public and lawn chairs and coolers are welcome. Food trucks will also be on-site to fill that hunger.

Brown Sugar Band will conclude the “Sounds of Summer” series Friday, June 28.