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Tubas became a horn of plenty

Musicians hang out in front of the El Bukanas restaurant in La Puente, which showcases local bands on weekend nights. Southern California is the tuba capital of the world, according to many. Change came slowly to Mexican tuba playing, but it's now in full force. See full story

Musicians hang out in front of the El Bukanas restaurant in La Puente, which showcases local bands on weekend nights. Southern California is the tuba capital of the world, according to many. Change came slowly to Mexican tuba playing, but it’s now in full force.
See full story  (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

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Getting into the swing

Tuba player Jesse Tucker, a musician for more than 20 years, is the front man for his current trio, Los Hermanos Carrillo con Chikilin y su Tuba. A whole cadre of young tubists are revolutionizing Mexican pop music with their playing.
See full story  (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Blowing his own horn

Jesse Tucker plays a Halloween party. He used to be upset that Mexican brass band tuba players carried the heaviest, most expensive horns, played virtually nonstop and anchored the group, yet were paid the same as other musicians.
See full story  (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Engaging the audience

Jesse Tucker gets the crowd going at a birthday party in Lynwood. “We have millions of people in Southern California of Mexican origin,” he said. “They all throw parties. They all have quinceaneras; they all get married. And every group can use a tuba.”
See full story  (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Pucker power

Tucker has jammed with some of the best Latino artists on the scene. He now sticks close to his Pomona home, playing private parties and special events.
See full story  (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Wild improvisation

Tubist Santiago “Shagi” Mata, left, jams with his band inside the El Bukanas restaurant in La Puente. “We were in a little box before, “ said Mata, who lives in Maywood. “Now they’ve set us free and we’re able to show what we’re capable of.”
See full story  (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

As wild as a free-jazz man

Jesse Tucker and a guitarist jam on some northern Mexican tunes at a birthday party in Lynwood. Tucker tries to get as many gigs as he can; the competition can be intense.
See full story  (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Out front with their music

Tucker at the Lynwood birthday party. He is pursuing a graduate degree in music so he can have more options to bring in money than just playing gigs. He hopes to be able to teach as well.
See full story  (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

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