SAN ANTONIO — The Tejano Conjunto Festival will hold its 44th annual event from May 14 to May 17 in San Antonio, culminating in a tribute to late accordionist Leonardo "Flaco" Jiménez on Sunday night. San Antonio's Cultural Arts Center plans to celebrate Jiménez's career at the festival, with the tribute set to begin at 8 p.m.

According to its website, the festival is the longest-running conjunto festival in the United States. Thursday's event will be held at the Royal Palace Ballroom at 3506 SW Military Drive and is free for seniors. Friday through Sunday events are held at Rosedale Park and feature more than 30 bands, including local high school conjunto performances. A festival spokesperson said fans can expect performances from Los Texmaniacs, Santiago Jiménez Jr., and international guests representing Mexico, Spain, Japan and the Netherlands.

"I think this is one of the best and most diverse, nationally and internationally, musical line-ups we've had at the TCF in a long time," festival founder Juan Tejeda said in a news release. "No other tribute to Flaco has brought together as many international artists to honor him," Tejeda added.

Jiménez was a Tejano music pioneer known as an accordionist for the Texas Tornados, Los Texmaniacs, Los Super Seven and Sir Douglas Quintet. He died on July 31 at the age of 86. His accordion solos are remembered through the "San Antonio National Anthem" — "(Hey Baby) Que Paso."

Day pass wristbands for the festival range from $15 to $25 for Friday through Sunday. A whole weekend wristband pass costs $50, with an additional $10 for a replacement.