I'm just a guy who has always liked music, especially live music. I'm a mid-fifties guy so I approach music a little differently than many music fans. I analyze the bands music with my senses. I listen to the bands vocals, all the instruments and sound system. I observe the band members individually and collectively, their energy, connection to audience and rapport. I'll also sense the crowd's energy and the venue's ambiance. I just don't go to see a band.
The party continues with Bubba Hernandez y Los Super Vatos and Huerta Culture atJovita'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!)
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.
I like discovering new, up and coming bands and following their progress. This time on June 25th, two iconic and legendary bands, Tortilla Factory and Bubba Hernandez y Los Super Vatos, plus a new up and coming band, Huerta Culture will perform at Momo's in Austin, Texas. Mark your calender because this is one of the biggest event of the summer.
I saw Grammy nominated Tortilla Factory perform at Momo's on March 9th of this year and got reacquainted with the legendary 1970's Texas Chicano band. In order to continue the legend, founder Tony Guerrero has handed the reins of the band to his daughter Laura and son Alfredo Guerrero. Although Tortilla Factory still performs Texas Chicano/Tejano music, the new generation has incorporated Funk, Salsa, R&B and Rappers to appeal to a broader audience. This new formula is working well because when I check my music sources and calenders of events, Tortilla Factory's name shows up frequently and at various venues. I recently saw Tortilla Factory perform at Austin's premier Panchanga Latino Music Festival 2010 on May 22nd. Original member Bobby "El Charo Negro" Butler performed with the band. The audience consisted of young and old and based on the crowd's response to the music, Tortilla Factory pleased their loyal established fans and made new ones that will help continue the legend.
On a personal note, I had the privilege of meeting Tony "Ham" Guerrero, his wife Norma, daughter Laura and Bobby Butler at Pachanga. I felt very comfortable talking to the family, there was a genuine warmth and interest. We talked about music, family and upcoming events. I see now how the Tortilla Factory family has been in existence for 37 years because it's not only about the music.
I first saw Bubba Hernandez y Los Super Vato back in October of 2008 at Flamingo Cantina. I really didn't know what to expect because this was the first time seeing Bubba and the band perform. I have to say I was thoroughly impressed. They describe their music as "Fiery Bilingual Cumbia-based Pop Rock Songs of Intrigue, Naughtiness, Heartbreak and Other Steamy Delights." I liked the heavy bass, the rhythmic percussion and the dance party feel the music evokes. I've seen Bubba y Los Super Vatos several times since and I look forward to seeing them time and time again. I've gotten to know Cenobia Xavier "Bubba" Hernandez and think he's one "Super Vato." He was a member of the two time Grammy Award winning Polka Rock band, Brave Combo and Grammy nominated, Polka Freak Out. I like talking to Bubba because he's very creative with his music and projects and has positive outlook in life, he has a passion about what he does.
I also saw Huerta Culture perform at Momo's back in January of this year. The band didn't have a name at the time but Kiko Villamizar was just getting the band together. Huerta Culture is now well established and creating a buzz and following here in Austin. I like their music because "Huerta Culture mixes various sounds of Latino rhythms from Cuban son, salsa, Guajiro-style music to Colombian cumbia and reggae fusion." (Source: Austin Vida) It's been a while since I've seen Kiko and Huerta Culture so I'm really anxious to seeing them Friday.
This showcase promises to be an exceptional night of music by a collection of extraordinary Latin musicians. Come to Momo's for the music, for the dancing and the ambiance.
