The Mexican American Experience, a radio program produced by the Longhorn Radio Network, includes interviews, music, and informational programs related to the Mexican American community and their concerns. Program summary: In this interview conducted in Spanish, Oscar Zamora talks about his work as a ventriloquist and his variety show Sal y Pimienta. Zamora first became interested in ventriloquism as a child when he realized that he could throw his voice. Over time, and often in the classroom, he perfected the skill, and soon learned to alter the sound without moving his facial muscles. His show Sal y Pimienta, a variety program on the Spanish International Network, features local artists and reaches audiences throughout South Texas, New Mexico and as far away as Chicago and New York. Zamora also talks about his work in night clubs and entertaining at benefits. His routine is in mostly Spanish but he sometimes mixes it with English. He explains that this code-switching is very prominent among Mexican-Americans and they like that it is part of the show. Zamora also talks a little about Don Chema's appearance. Zamora explains that the point of his show is to entertain, but they sometimes do serious themes. They often cover political events, which Don Chema then satirizes. He hopes to one day create a show for children, but for now he will continue doing local shows, filming a movie, and touring. He discusses an upcoming trip to Europe where he will entertain Mexican American soldiers stationed there. Throughout the episode, Don Chema interrupts with his own perspective and at one point they sing a song. Keywords: Austin, Bilingualism, Carascolendas, Chicago, Children, Citizenship, Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Code-Switching, Corpus Christi, Department of Labor, Don Chema, Eagle Pass, Education, Entertainment, Laredo, League of United Latin American Citizens, LULAC, Military Service, New Mexico, New York, Night Clubs, Noche Mexicano, Oscar Zamora, Piedras Negras, Popular culture, Sal y Pimienta, San Antonio, Sesame Street, South Texas, Spanglish, Spanish International Network, Spanish Language Networks, Spanish Language Television, Texas, Una Ciudad para Vivir, Variety Shows, Ventriloquism, Vernacular, Washington D.C.. Broadcast date: 1980-07-01.
Creator/Contributor:
Longhorn Radio Network (creator), Fregoso, Rosa Linda. (host), and Zamora, Oscar (interviewee)
Date Created/Date Issued:
6/26/1980
Owning Repository:
Benson Latin American Collection, LLILAS Benson Latin American Studies and Collections, The University of Texas at Austin