Little Joe Y La Familia band come to Events Center at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

If you still have family in town or are looking for something fun to do between Christmas and New Year’s, check out Little Joe Y La Familia! They’ll perform at the Events Center at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino on Saturday, December 28, at 8 p.m.

One of the top Tejano bands, this group’s history spans more than 50 years. Namesake Jose Maria de Leon Hernandez, better known as “Little Joe,” established the band in 1959. Their sound blends Norteno, country, blues, and rock and roll for fun, memorable songs. 

Photo credit: Western New Mexico University

Little Joe started playing guitar and in bands in his teens. He started with his cousin’s band, David Coronado and the Latinaires. Over time, this band evolved into Little Joe and the Latinaires before becoming Little Joe Y La Familia. Their 1972 album Para La Gente became a massive success in the Tejano music community. 

Little Joe Y La Familia received numerous awards and accolades over the decades. The Smithsonian Institute and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts have hosted the band during National Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1997, Little Joe received the Governor’s Award from the Texas branch of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences for his contributions to Texas music. The family also operates a museum in Temple, Texas, dedicated to the history of Tejano music and the band’s history. 

Photo credit: The Business Journals

Don’t miss this chance to hear great music in a fun venue! You’ll dance and sing all night. Please get your tickets now before they sell out! Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show is open to guests age 18 and older. 

Allow time to enjoy the other great amenities at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino — guests age 21 and older can try their luck at slots, table games, and more on the casino floor. Have dinner at The Buffet, a traditional casino-style spread, or enjoy steak and seafood at Chop, Block, and Brew or small plates paired with fine wine at Oak and Fork. 

It’s sure to be a night to remember at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino!

About the Author:

Carolyn Sostrom

Biography:

Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle.

She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*.

With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower.

She works at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix.

Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.

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