This past weekend, Austin, TX’s Fiesta Gardens hosted the fifth annual Pachanga Festival on May 11 and 12, a celebration of Latin art and culture’s influence in America. Numerous genres were represented on the three stages, from rock, tejano, mariachi, cumbia, salsa, electronic, funk, hip hop, to indie, and although the origins of the artists were just as varied, all attendees were united by the appreciation of the vibrant and eclectic art. Day one started at sundown, and Peligrosa, Austin’s DJ troupe, entertained between Houston’s Chingo Bling, New York’s Outernational, and Puerto Rico’s Calle 13, a collaborator on Outernational’s latest, “Todos Somo Ilegales.” The second day began with Mexican alternative quintet, Umano Ache from Laredo, TX, followed by a second Outernational appearance. Half-New York-based, half Brazil-based, flautist-led Forro in the Dark (think Brazilian Jethro Tull), and acclaimed Chilean rapper, Ana Tijoux, followed suit on the Hierba Stage. Just across the park, pop singer/songwriter out of Austin, David Garza serenaded, and funky and psychedelic Brownout played the main, Pavilion stage along with LA’s all girl, rock trio Girl in a Coma. The weekend closed with a set by Latino blues-rock legends, Los Lonely Boys ( Sadly, did not get photos this time around!).
Archive for May, 2012
New York’s revolutionary rockers, Outernational, have been on the road for what seems like forever on their Todos Somos Ilegales Tour, but along the way, they’ve worked themselves to the bone on two albums, one of which, Todos Somos Illegales, is out now for download at http://outernational.bandcamp.com/. The quintet also managed to shoot a music video for Todos track, “The Beginning is Here,” in the midst of touring, in the middle of the desert (below). However, tonight, the band welcomes the tangible version of the album as well as special guests from the record, including Ceci Bastida, in the flesh tonight at The Echo in Los Angeles. Also shaking the stage with worldly beats are Subsuelo accompanied by flamenco performer, La Tigresa, and DJs Canyon Cody Ethos and Gozar. An appropriate evening to “future rock,” May Day becomes even more significant to Outernational’s music and message. Come celebrate and support the band as they head out on another month of touring. The show tonight is $10, 18+, and doors are at 8:30pm.
Rocker Stalker 