The Mexicano Trailblazers of Brownwood award will be presented to Joel Andrade, the first Mexicano professional entertainer from Brownwood. The award is being presented in appreciation of his contributions to the world of entertainment in a career that spanned over four decades as a group member, band leader, lead singer, and club owner.

The award will be presented at a private dinner sponsored by SALSA, a local non-profit community-based organization, at 5 p.m., Saturday, October 15. The dinner is open only to SALSA members, their families, and invited guests.

Andrade, a 1963 graduate of Brownwood High School, enlisted in the United States Army immediately after his commencement exercises. After basic training at Fort Polk Louisiana, he completed his advanced training in airborne school. His overseas service included Okinawa and Viet Nam. He was honorably discharged in 1966 and returned to Brownwood.

Andrade actually started his entertainment career while still in high school and resumed it after his military service. He learned to play the saxophone in high school and later taught himself to play piano, drums, and bass guitar. The professional groups with which he performed included The Road Runners, The Shadows, the Cherokee Trading Post Band, Bootleg Junction Band, Swing Shift Band, Bayou Line Band, and the Sidekicks Band.

He retired after 35 years at 3M and used his time wisely, taking time to visit all 50 states and explore six of the seven continents. To date, he has explored North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Antarctica is still on his radar screen, weather permitting.