The Rio Grande Valley of South Texas is a magical place. The language, the culture, the delicious food and the relaxed yet still hard-working nature of the residents make it special. There’s a motto that encompasses all of these traits, which is “Puro 956,” a nod to the area code of the region.
Because Groupo Frontera was originally formed in Edinburg, Texas, they embody the “Puro 956” spirit to the fullest, making last night’s show at Toyota Center one of the liveliest and most heartfelt concerts that I’ve ever attended at this venue.
The evening began with a playlist of classics from Los Tigres Del Norte, Los Cardenales De Nuevo Leon and Los Invasores De Nuevo Leon. This kept the vibes upbeat and ready for the main event which began shortly before 9 p.m.
A lot has changed since I first heard “No Se Va” in the Fall of 2022. Since then, the group from Edinburg has released multiple No. 1 hits, and collaborated with artists such as Bad Bunny, Carin Leon, Shakira and many more. Personally, Grupo Frontera has been on top of my yearly Spotify Wrapped for the last three years in a row.
The setlist was a mix of established hits and new tracks from their latest album Lo Que Me Falta Por Llorar (2025). “Me encanta tocar aqui en Houston!” proclaimed Payo with a huge smile. (I love performing here in Houston). “Who likes to party and make desmadre?!” he asked the audience, which was received with loud cheers and applause.
The first special guests of the evening were Oscar De La Rosa and Mando Lichtenberger Jr. of Houston’s own legendary Tejano band La Mafia. They performed their classics “Me Estoy Enamorando” and “Un Millón De Rosas” alongside Payo and the rest of the group, with a little help with the capacity crowd of more than 15,000 fans, who were all singing along as well.
From the outside looking in, it certainly seems like the band members are still having the time of their lives, performing in front of their adoring audience and alongside their idols of the music industry. They have definitely “loosened up” on stage, dancing and laughing and putting on a fun show for the crowd. I mean, watching them dance quebradita to “El Sonidito” by Hechizeros Band was one of the most hilarious things I’ve seen any Tejano band do on stage.
The night ended with another surprise guest, Mexican ranchera singer Christian Nodal. He provided the unofficial Mexican National Anthem, which is his breakout hit “Adios Amor.” Hearing the entire Toyota Center sing along to this emotional track full of love and heartbrealk was an absolutely love way to finish the show.
From the Rio Grande Valley to the world, Grupo Frontera continues to carry the torch for Tejano music, making friends, hits and fans along the way.
