Austin Vida and Bemba Entertainment Showcase April 8, 2011

Austin Vida and Bemba Entertainment are combining forces again to bring you another "kick ass" event for the Spring season on April 8, 2011 at Flamingo Cantina in Austin, Texas.

Austin Vida by itself has produced several successful showcases featuring exceptional Latin and Latino member bands at Stubb's, The Parish, Ruta Maya and Mi Casa Cantina as well several Listening Parties in association with Nacional Records and Fania Records.

Bemba Entertainment also has a long track record of exceptional showcases in Austin. Bemba Entertainment currently books world music bands for KUT 90.5fm World Music Night every Tuesday at Momo's and has produced several theme based showcases. For example, recent Soul Legends Series, tributes to Isley Brothers, Nina Simone, Rick James and Teena Marie, Bill Withers plus World Beat cruises and music on Lady Bird Lake.

This showcase will feature a local band from Austin, a regional Texas band and a touring band from Kansas City, Missouri. The local Austin, Texas band is Este Vato, a hybrid band which features a DJ, an MC, a horn section and specializes in Latin Fusion, Cumbia and Rock. The regional band from Corpus Christi, Texas is Master Blaster Sound System, a band which includes samples, loops and dance beats mixed by member DJ Dus. Master Blaster also includes talented members from La Conquista and Charanga Cake. The band creates unique music they call "Cumbia Krunk." The touring band is Making Movies, no stranger to Austin, a collective of exceptionally talented musicians which perform Indie music in English and Spanish with a definite Latin flair.

Venue: Flamingo Cantina located at 515 East 6th Street in Austin, Texas

Date: April 8, 2011

Cover Charge: $8 (18 years+) Doors Open at 9:00 PM

Musical Line-up and Times:

Este Vato at 10:00 PM
Making Movies at 11:15 PM
Master Blaster Sound System at 12:30 AM

This special showcase is the best entertainment in Austin on April 8th and features the best musical talent around. The fact that all the bands perform Latin music and have Latinos in the bands is purely coincidental.


Este Vato


Making Movies


Master Blaster Sound System


To keep up with everything "Latin" in Austin, Texas check out Austin Vida's Event's Calender.

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ESTE VATO!!! New Song and Sound

Este Vato, those "Bad Asses of Latin Fusion in Austin, Texas debuted a new song to their ever growing play list and added a horn section to the band.

Este Vato always strives for new and original songs, one of the things that I like about the band. They debuted "Palabra" last week at Trophy's Bar and Grill in Austin, Texas on February 5, 2011. They stayed true to their sound by remaining bilingual, maintaining the Latin Fusion sound , using an MC and DJ and most of all staying "edgy." Este Vato is not your run of the mill Latin band. They want to be and are different from other bands, Latin or not. They also strive to improve and expand their sound. The addition of a horn section does just that. They added a trombone and a trumpet player which gives the band a larger sound, more depth and more versatility. I like it all and look forward to more developments.

The band members are:

Rocky Reyna: Bass/Backing Vocals
Oscar Reyna: Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals
Ricardo Lara: Vocal/Acoustic Guitar
Feliciano "Chano" Lopez: Vocals/Percussion
Rey Treviño: Turntables/Samples
Frank "FAAR" Ramirez: Drums/Percussion
David Martinez: Trumpet
Roy Pulido: Trombone

Check out the videos of the Trophy's performance:




Stay in touch with Este Vato and to catch their performances, check the links below:

estevato.com, Este Vato Facebook, Este Vato Twitter,
Este Vato Bandcamp, Este Vato Myspace,
Este Vato YouTube Channel

Free Week Pick for Friday January 7, 2011

The Beauty Bar is presenting a fantastic show for Friday of Free Week in Austin, Texas. No Charge to get into most venues and clubs during January 1-9, 2011. What a deal! and it is a big deal when you've got the premier bands in Austin on a Friday night.

The music for this event will cover several genres. Este Vato will bring the Latin Fusion element, Roxy Roca brings the Soul sound, Maneja Beto brings the "Indie en Español" mix and Brownout drives the Funk sound home.

This show is one of if not the best show of Free Week.

Venue: Beauty Bar located on 617 E. 7th Street Austin, Texas 78701.

Other Details: No Cover All Week. 21 years old and up. More details at do512.

Musical Line-Up:

Este Vato


Roxy Roca


Maneja Beto


Brownout

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Barrio Massive En El Mero Hueso at Una Noche De La Gloria October 9, 2010

Una Noche De La Gloria, presented by Contemporary Arts and Literature Organization (CALO), is an event in the West Side of San Antonio, Texas which showcases local talent in the arts. This includes visual arts, fashion, film, music, theater and spoken word performances at the historic Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center. "Barrio Massive En El Mero Hueso" is the main musical presentation of the event.

Below, is a short video that really gives you a sense of Una Noche De La Gloria 2010.

Una Noche De La Gloria from noi mahoney on Vimeo.

This is the second time that I've attended Una Noche De La Gloria. I enjoyed it so much last year that I had return again. I go more for the exceptional music but I enjoy all the activities. This year's main stage line up included: JD Diego Bernal, La Guerrilla, Pop Pistol, Piñata Protest, Bombasta and Special Guest, The Sequence.

La Guerrilla, the international, Latin, gypsy ensemble from Austin, Texas band and one of my favorites.


Pop Pistol, from San Antonio, incorporates a "very interesting blend of indie rock steeped in electronic roots. Progressive broken beat drums coupled with an ethereal rhythm section of synths and samples and haunting vocal delivery for a complex, multi-dimensional sound." -Study Breaks Magazine, UTSA
This is the first time I saw Pop Pistol and I was really impressed with their performance, music and sound. This is a band I want to see again and a band that you'll be hearing more about very soon.


Pinata Protest, is a San Antonio "accordion powered punk rock-y-roll band." I also add "conjunto punk band" as part of the description because of it's rocking Mexican roots.


Bombasta is the epitome of the new Urban Latino sound that has emerged in cities like San Antonio, Austin, Corpus Christi and all over which incorporates all the intrinsic influences of Latin, Rock, Conjunto, Traditional Roots and Electronic music. When Bombasta performs, you know a party is going to break out and you better be prepared to throw down some moves!


The Sequence, an a capella doo-wop group also from San Antonio performed some 1950-60's songs. The Sequence is not on the web, you may contact them at (210)421-5683 or at vic.love@sbcglobal.net.


Una Noche De La Gloria 2011 is already being planned and I am looking forward to it already.

Este Vato, The Raspas and Stars Collide at Trophy's

I went to Trophy's Bar and Grill, one of my favorite Austin music venues because of it's comfortable neighborhood bar atmosphere, on September 18, 2010. I specifically went to see three bands on the line-up that night. The first was my favorite Austin Latin Fusion band, Este Vato. The second band was The Raspas, a Reggae band I first saw about a year ago at The Amsterdam. Lastly, Stars Collide, a rock band I hadn't seen but has been on my "must see list." Frank "FAAR" Ramirez, drummer for Este Vato is also the drummer for Stars Collide.

It was a great night for music. There was a festive crowd, it's always friendly and there's a feel or a bond among the crowd because they all know and follow the same bands. They feel comfortable yelling, screaming encouragement at the bands and definitely like dancing to their music.

Check out Trophy's, it' on South Congress Ave., Este Vato, The Raspas and Star Collide soon. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Este Vato introduced two new songs. The first "Levántate," which they have worked on for about a month. The second song, with no title as of yet, they wrote the night before. I really like both songs because they have a strong solid sound and beat. The two songs are definitely Este Vato trademark songs.





The Raspas "Poor Man Style" a great Reggae song that has become a favorite.



Stars Collide has a strong Rock sound and singer. They perform the song, "Better."



For more videos on this and other performances go to: YouTube MannyGoCrazy Channel.

Este Vato at Beauty Bar on September 1st

After looking at my social calender, I realized that it had been three months since I last saw Este Vato perform. It wasn't that I didn't want to see Este Vato. My schedule just didn't seem to coincide with their performance dates. It got to the point where I needed an Este Vato "fix."

It's no secret that Este Vato is my favorite band. I like their unique Latin Fusion sound created with a DJ and an Mecee. I first saw Este Vato back in October 2008 at Flamingo Cantina. We definitely have a history and I've lost count of how many times I've seen them perform. We are friends and I support them as often as I can. On September 1, 2010 I finally got to see Este Vato perform at the Beauty Bar in Austin, Texas. Every time I see them perform, I swear they sound better than the previous time I saw them.

You can find out more about Este Vato at the following links:
www.estevato.com
www.myspace.com/estevatomusic
Este Vato Facebook Page


Here are a couple of songs from Este Vato's Beauty Bar performance:






To see more videos of Este Vato performances go to YouTube MannyGoCrazy Channel.

Another Fantastic Austin Vida Showcase

Austin Vida put together another fantastic Latin showcase recently at Ruta Maya. They brought in four "in demand" musical groups and artist that provided music to please all musical taste. The line-up included from Austin, Arthur Yoria, JEZ, La Guerrilla and from San Antonio, Bombasta. All these bands, I noticed, have a solid fan base which are dedicated and travel near and far to see them perform.

I do have to say that Austin Vida has the knack of recognizing exceptional Latin talent and bringing them together for consistently successful showcases of fun and dance. I've been to all of Austin Vida showcases and based on audience attendance, the amount of dancing, the amount of laughter and fun, I'd definitely give this one "Six Flags."

More future showcases are being planned which will be bigger and better, so stay connected to austinvida.com.

Here is a sample of the artist and their music that night:

Arthur Yoria



JEZ



La Guerrilla



Bombasta



To see more videos of this showcase and other musical groups and events, go to my YouTube MannyGoCrazy Channel.

El Tule and Radio la Chusma at Flamingo Cantina

Two great bands with two different sounds this Friday at Flamingo Cantina. First, Austin's favorite, El Tule specializes in Cumbia, Salsa and Merengue that lifts the spirit and moves the soul. El Tule has been very busy this summer with numerous performances throughout Central Texas and Austin. Second, Radio La Chusma, an El Paso, Texas band, "Representing the beauty and complexity of the border culture, the reggae, cumbia/rock....uplifting the people with their message and hard hitting rhymes."

I've seen both bands perform individually. I recently caught El Tule in San Antonio's Main Plaza and saw Radio la Chusma last September in San Antonio's Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center for Una Noche de Gloria: Barrio Massive En El Mero Hueso. Friday night should be "Una Noche de Gloria" as well with both bands a Flamingo Cantina in Austin, Texas.

Venue: Flamingo Cantina on 515 East 6th Street in downtown Austin, Texas

Date: July 30, 2010
Time: Doors open at 9:00 PM

Line-up: El Tule and Radio la Chusma

Cost: $5.00 21+

The Party Continues with Bubba Hernandez y Los Super Vatos and Huerta Culture at Jovita's

The party continues with Bubba Hernandez y Los Super Vatos and Huerta Culture at Jovita's. The party originally started at Momo's with Tortilla Factory, Bubba and Huerta Culture on June 25th. Momo's kicked us out and we continued the party on the street until we couldn't go anymore. If you want to be of the part of the continuing party, show up at Jovita's Saturday.

As Bubba put it:"An evening of Cumbiafied Latin funk pop rock afro beat, reggae hip hop and maybe even a little ranchera on the side.
Bubba Hernandez y Los Super Vatos con Huerta Culture mano a mano, tete a tete, heart to heart, brother to brother, arm in arm, conga to conga.
Let’s do it. Yeah!"


Venue: Jovita's, 1619 South First Street in Austin, Texas (Map)

Date: Saturday, July 17, 2010

Times: 7:00 to 11:00 PM (or until they kick us out again!)

Cover Charge: $5.00

The Event of the Summer Just Happened at Momo's

Last night the event of the summer took place at Momo's. Three spectacular bands created a night of party, fun and magic. They were the two time Grammy Award winner, Bubba Hernandez, and his band Los Super Vatos, Grammy nominated Tortilla Factory and up and coming, Huerta Culture. Momo's was packed, people were dancing, enjoying the warm summer night and socializing on the outdoor deck. Bemba Entertainment again put together a collection of great and diverse bands for an exceptional showcase. I recommend that you check out World Music Night sponsored by KUT90.5fm/kut.org every Tuesday night at Momo's to get a taste of Bemba's work.

The bands provided a variety of entertainment and diverse mix of music. Bubba opened the showcase with Cumbia, Rock, Latin and Polka plus humorous interaction with the audience. Tortilla Factory continued the legend with their specialized mix of Salsa, Merengue, Funk and Latin and an impressive stage presence. Lastly, Huerta Culture closed the show with the exceptional combination of Columbian Cumbia, Folk and Root music. I do have to say that this is the first time that I've seen Huerta Culture as a fully formed band and also have to say that I was very impressed. Huerta Culture's distinct sound and music draws you in and takes you on a "cultural" trip.

Here's a sample of last nights event:

Grupo Fantasma Album Release Parties

Grupo Fantasma is releasing their new CD "El Existential" with two parties at Antone's. I've heard the CD and it will definitely take two days to celebrate the release of great new music.


Event: Grupo Fantasma Album Release Parties

Musical Line-Up:

Friday - Charanga Cakewalk and Grupo Fantasma
Saturday - Maneja Beto and Grupo Fantasma

Location: Antone's on 213 W. 5th Street in Austin, Texas

Date: Friday May 7, 2010 and Saturday May 8, 2010

Times: Doors Open at 9:00 PM

Cost: $15 per person per show

Tickets: Frontgate Tickets for Friday's show, Tickets for Saturday's show

I've listened to "El Existential" and without a doubt this CD is more than exceptional. It contains hard hitting Cumbias and Salsa. The Cumbia that will get you moving is "La Conozco," I will re-play this song two to three times because the high energy beat and rhythm just won't let you go. "Montañozo" is my next favorite with an upbeat tempo and I like the sound of the 60/70's sounding organ typical to that era. As for Salsa, I especially like "Juan Tenorio" because of "EL Judio Maravilloso" Larry Harlow's influence. He has a special sound and feel in his music. The sound is smooth and velvety and the beat is not too fast or too slow. All the songs on this album are great, I think you'll like them all but you'll also have your favorites. One of the things that impressed be about this album is how it was made. I spoke to some of the guys at Momo's recently after performing in side project, Money Chicha and it turns out the band just got together and started recording the music. The formalities of making an album were put aside and the magic was unleashed. I believe had Grupo followed the usual recording protocol, the end product would be much different and not as free flowing and artistic.



The songs on "El Existential" are:

1. Realizando
2. La Conozco
3. Sacatelo Bailando
4. El Consejo
5. Hijo
6. Juan Tenorio (Featuring Larry Harlow)
7. Montañozo
8. Calor
9. 25
10. Reconciliar
11. Telaraña (Featuring Curt Kirkwood)
12. Cumbianchera
13. Araña Cuña

The album will be available on Grupo Fantasma's website on Tuesday, May 11th and available in stores nationally and on Itunes on May 15.

Austin Vida Showcase at Ruta Maya

If Manny Go Crazy were to put together a showcase, I would have picked the exact same bands. These four bands are on my "Top Favorite List" of Austin bands. I have seen these bands multiple times and look forward to seeing them again and again.

Event: Austin Vida showcase and La Guerrilla CD Release Show

Date: April 1, 2010

Location: Ruta Maya on 3601 S. Congress Ave. Austin, Texas

Musical Line Up and Times: El Tule @ 9 PM, Este Vato @ 10:15 PM, La Guerrilla @ 11:30 PM , and Headliner - Maneja Beto @ 12:30 AM

Cost: $5 for 21+ and $7 for Minors

Drink Special: Miller High Life $2; Harp, Red Stripe and Dos XX for $3

"Maneja Beto is an extremely popular Austin, Texas band. Their music is not easy to describe because it has elements of Mexican Cumbia, pop, rock, folk, "indie-en-Español" and some fusion, all blended into a mellow, upbeat, lounge and Latin sound" (Source: Rock y Roll Radio Blog). If you're familiar with Maneja then I'm sure I'll see you at Ruta Maya. On the other hand, if you've never seen Maneja Beto, here's a "don't miss" opportunity to also become a new fan of the best indie in Espanol band in Austin.



La Guerrilla is a band with a lot of charisma and energy. Their music is upbeat, happy and makes you want to dance. La Guerrilla combines Reggae, Ska and World Music influences and occasionally includes theatrics to enhance La Guerrilla experience. This show will be La Guerrilla's official CD release show. Come and check out La Guerrilla , you''ll love them and then you'll buy their CD to continue the party anytime, anywhere you want.



Este Vato is a band that I have followed since their debut at Flamingo Cantina in October 2008 and have seen them progress extremely well musically and in establishing the Este Vato name. They are a band that combines Rock, Cumbia, Latin, Fusion and recently Funk. Their songs convey a message of pride in heritage, the struggles of our fore fathers and families and the power that we have collectively. Although the subject matter is on the serious side, the music still rocks. Este Vato just released their new CD as well. Come see them perform and also get their CD.



El Tule is also a very popular and a well established band in Austin. "Musically the band projects the Latin soul that Cumbias, Salsa and Merengues were meant to have." (Source: Rock y Roll Radio Blog). They bring the party to any event or venue where they perform and you see their name everywhere. El Tule also released their second CD in November 2009 and you should also purchase their Volumen II to complete your music library.



This showcase is one you shouldn't miss. It offers four of the best Latin bands in Austin and regionally that have a broad appeal. This showcase is the event of the year and may not occur again anytime soon because getting four extremely popular bands together at one time is very difficult. Hope to see you there, I know I will.