Elida Y Avante has quickly evolved into one of the truly successful Tejano bands.Their first two albums -- Atrevete, released in 1994, and, Algo Entero, released in 1999 -- qualified for gold record status and yielded several top five singles including "Luna Llena" and "Lagrimas De Amor," which reached the top position on the Americana music charts in 1994. The recipients of "Billboard" magazine's "Revelacion Del Ano" award, Elida Y Avante were named "Rising Group Of The Year" at the TTMA Industry Awards in 1995. A septet, Elida Y Avante is centered around vocalist Elida Reyna, who received the TTMA Industry award as "Rising Female Vocalist of the Year" in 1995 and 1996 and the Pura Vida award as "Female Vocalist Of The Year" in 1997 and 1998. The group is rounded out by Cande Aguilar, Jr. (accordion), Noel Hernandez (bass), Leroy Villanueva (drums), Juan Martinez (keyboards), Randy Villarreal (guitar) and Epifanio Martinez (percussion, bajo sexto). ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide
