The Rio Grande Music Fest is already a much-awaited tradition for the Valley. Talent, music, fun and a great time is what Winter Texans have come to expect at Music Fest 2011. Music Fest, in its 14th edition, will feature top performers, like Red Johnson, John Rex Reeves, the Redhead Express, Betty Rydell and Noel Cortez.

And if that weren’t enough, Grupo Folklórico Ozomatli and The Mariachis Los Lobos from La Joya ISD will also perform, putting on a high-quality, award-winning performance that has become a La Joya tradition.

Read more: Music Fest 2011 features powerhouse lineup of entertainers

‘Down for Life’ lead Jessica Romero, director Alan Jacobs and producer Frank Aragon were present at a VIP reception held Jan. 13 at De Mor Banquet Center in McAllen. Also in attendance were Richard Cortez, mayor of McAllen; John David Franz, mayor of Hidalgo; and Judge Rudy Gonzalez.

The movie is premiering in the Valley this weekend.

Read more: Premiere of ‘Down for Life’ this weekend in the Valley

Lady Matador Lupita Lopez will return Sunday, Jan. 23, as the world-class bloodless bullfights at the Santa Maria Bullring will begin the new season. Lopez was the triumphant woman matador of the 2010 bullfights, drawing great favor with the crowds.

Since its beginning 11 years ago, the Santa Maria Bull Ring in La Gloria has been growing in popularity attracting more and more fans to the sport each year. The Santa Maria Bull Ring offers winter visitors an opportunity to get a little taste of the Hispanic culture. The major difference in a Mexican bullfight and an American one is that bullfighters are not allowed to kill the bull.

Read more: Lady Matador Lupita Lopez stars in opening bullfight

Pat Green is no stranger to the Valley. This will not be his first time entertaining Valley residents, or his first time performing at Las Palmas Race Park.

For a man whose new album begins with a powerful song called “Footsteps of Our Fathers,” Pat Green has blazed his own trail in a way that few artists today can claim. Even with all the artistic and popular success he has experienced along the way, What I’m For is the stirring sound of Pat Green arriving as a major American singer-songwriter who has managed to make his own way in country music and beyond.

Read more: Pat Green returns to the Las Palmas to promote new album