The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College 2007 Arts and Entertainment Season will come to a close Friday evening with a concert by three-time Grammy award winner Vikki Carr.
Carr, who was born Florencia Biscenta de Casillas Martinez Cardona in El Paso, is known for her ability to sing wide range of different styles of music in both English and Spanish.
Since her career first began in 1961, Carr has appeared in numerous film, theater, radio and television productions. However, she has not forgotten her many fans throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
“She’s performed (in Brownsville)… She’s played at the (South Padre) Island, she’s played in McAllen.” said Maria Ruth Torres, interim director of the Fort Brown Memorial Center. “A lot of people like her because she does sing in Spanish.”
For Brownsville resident Cookie (checking on name) Wimer, tonight’s performance will mark a 35-year fascination with the internationally known entertainer. Wimer, 51, has been a member of Carr’s fan club since 1972, and has attended the performer’s concerts in San Antonio, Houston, Las Vegas, and throughout the Rio Grande Valley. She said that Carr is known sing her songs both acappella as well as with a band, delivering a powerful performance that keeps her returning year after year.
“I grew up listening to Vikki’s music,” Wimer said. “I’ve been going to her concerts since I was 16- years-old. I’ve seen over 80 concerts easily.”
Torres said that tonight’s concert is expected to generate quite a large crowd as some of her fan club members from as far away as Chicago have traveled to Brownsville to hear her sing. She said that Carr’s show has already generated impressive sales, as those in the community are all too familiar with her ability to attract a diverse audience.
“She does a little bit of everything,” Torres said. “She’s gone all the way from Latin to country and everything in between.”
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Vikki Carr
When: Friday, 8 p.m.
Where: Jacob Brown Auditorium, 600 International Blvd., Brownsville
Cost: Ticket prices range from $20 to $50
For More Information: Call (956) 882-7945
