Austin Vida's Listening Party March 2nd

Austin Vida and Bemba Entertainment are hosting a Nacional Records Listening Party on March 2, 2010.

Location: Mi Casa Tamales and Cantina 603 East 6th Street, Austin, Texas

Cost: FREE

Time: 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM

Events for the Evening: DJ Chorizo Funk will spin the tunes of two new album releases.

Drawings for Prizes: Copies of CDs and two tickets to Los Amigos Invisible on April 2, 2010 at Antone's

New Releases: Chocquibtown "ORO" and Various Artist "Vos Sabes ...Como Te Esperaba! Tribute to Los Fabulosos Cadillacs"

I attended the first Listening Party on Februay 2, 2010 at Mi Casa Tamales and Cantina and it was a packed house. The party was on, the DJ was working the crowd, the drinks and tamales were flowing and the crowd was having a good time. Get there early because the word is out on the Listening Party and it will be a full house again and then some.

ESTE VATO Working on New Material

Even though Este Vato just released their new album, they have been working on some new tunes. I had the opportunity to record one of their new songs at Trophy's Bar and Grill on January 30, 2010. The name of the song is "Zombie Land" and it has a funky beat while still staying true to their music style and message. I also like this song because Este Vato is exploring their musical talent and possibilities. By stretching the musical envelope, Este Vato will create more great music and broaden their audience. Este Vato is definitely ready for the challenge and the next level.

Make it a point to check Este Vato at an upcoming show:

Mi Casa Tamales and Cantina on March 6th

Ruta Maya on April 1

A quick note about Trophy's: I like Trophy's Bar and Grill because it has the feel of a neighborhood bar. It has great music, it's quaint, feels homey, has a bar, pool tables, tables and chairs plus sofas. There is also an outdoor patio in back that you can just hangout. Parking is also ample.

Check out Este Vato's "Zombie Land" Video:

Album Review: ESTE VATO

Este Vato, one of my favorite bands and once an up and coming band, now a well established, well placed band has a new CD. The CD is self titled and contains 7 great songs. Their sound combines Mexican Cumbia, Rock, Latin and Fusion. The use of an Emcee and DJ give Este Vato depth and a totally unique sound.

One of the things that really impresses me about Este Vato is that they stay true to their music and message. They insist on their own original music and lyrics. I can truly say I have never heard them play a cover song although it would be very easy to do. They also insist on making their audience aware of the plight and struggles of not only Latinos but of all peoples against injustice, the corrupt industrial machine,"Quemadura," and repressive governments. Their message also includes the power, "El Poder," that people have collectively and the pride in their Mexican heritage and flag, "Tres Colores." This album is also a very danceable album should you choose to.

Playlist consist of:

1. Mundo En Fuego
2. El Poder
3. Tres Colores
4. Transitorio
5. Na Pos
6. Quemadura
7. Rattlesnake

If you love Latin music or want a taste of the best Latin music Austin has to offer, this album is for you.

Here's Este Vato performing at Trophys:

Manny Go Crazy Is Back

I wrote my first blog back in October 31, 2008,"Este Vato Debutes at the Flamingo Cantina." It was my first attempt at "blogging" and although I don't actively blog now, it doesn't mean I've stopped seeing bands. In fact, quite the opposite has happened, I've gone to see so many bands that it would be very difficult and very time consuming to write about all of them. I'll start to write on key or special band events and post posters of events of interest.

Also, I have started to post videos of bands I go see at various venues on Youtube. I hope that you start to follow me again or follow my blog for the first time. Thanks, Manny Go Crazy.