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.

Share
|

FREE WEEK January 1-9, 2011 in Austin, Texas

The first week of January is a special time for the Austin music scene, musicians and music lovers. "Free Week," January 1-9, 2011 is here. It's like an extension of the Christmas Holidays and if you're like me, I don't have a lot of money left over from all the gift giving. So Free Week comes at a perfect time. Free is the key word. "No Cover Charge" to get into many of the clubs or venues in downtown Austin, Texas, "The Live Music Capitol of the World." There are nine days of music, 100 plus local and regional bands playing nightly, all types of music to please every musical taste and it's FREE. It's like a mini-music festival which doesn't require standing in line for a costly wrist band or confined to a fenced in area. You have an open downtown area with most of, if not all, the clubs within walking distance of each other. The weather should be good, not like last year's freeze, and the atmosphere festive.

This will be my third Free Week and I have already planned the dates, times and the bands that I want to see for the week. So if you live in Austin, show your support or if you're outside of Austin, you're welcome to come for the music and fun.

The first year, one of the clubs I ventured into was Beerland and saw The Flame Trick Subs. I really liked them and their "psycho-billy." Check them out.


The second year, I was at Red 7 for some hard ass Punk. The Lower Class Brats was one of the bands that night. Hardcore, check it out.



An excellent link to see all the week's activity is do512.com. Check it out.

Share
|

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

Share
|

I Survived the Mexican Stepgrandfather "OCCUPIED STATE" Album Release Party

I drove to San Antonio Saturday night to specifically see the Mexican Stepgrandfather perform at club Limelight. This was the first time I had been to Limelight, located on North Saint Marys Street, and I really had a great time. I would definitely go back again although the sound system could be better. I also enjoyed the eclectic but friendly crowd and the atmosphere was electric.

All the opening artists were great but the Mexican Stepgrandfather ruled the house. He did have full band and DJ support Saturday night although the new album uses more drum beats and live music rather music samples. The message is still political and very pertinent to the current anti-immigrant sentiment, social plight and relationship issues. OCCUPIED STATE has more featured artist than the first album, ESTERE-ERE-O, and less music samples which highlights Mexican Stepgrandfather lyrical skill.

When Mexican Stepgrandfather came out for his set, the crowd was anxious and happy to see him. They were cheering, jumping and dancing. Mexican Stepgrandfather poured out his heart and soul for the crowd that night and they gladly accepted the gift. At the end of the set, the crowd still wanted more. I wanted more. I can say we all left happy and content because we all had shared the same incredible experience. I extended the euphoria by listening to the OCCUPIED STATE CD on the way home.

Check out this video of "Falling Down" at Limelight.



Also check out "The System" off OCCUPIED STATE.

Share
|

Mexican Stepgrandfather Album Release at Limelight

I first saw Mexican Stepgrandfather perform about two years ago at the Flamingo Cantina in Austin, Texas. I instantly liked his music, lyrics and stage presence. After his set, I purchased the then current ESTERE-ERE-O CD and started a conversation with Marco Antonio Cervantes aka Mexican Stepgrandfather (MSG). Marco is a really nice guy. Originally from Houston, Marco has been living in San Antonio for years now. I discovered that he was an Associate Professor at the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA). MSG is unique in many ways. He is not your run of the mill 19 or 20-something year old rapper. Liked I said, he is a professor. A master of the English and Spanish language, MSG uses bilingualism to create lyrics that tell a fascinating story. When I listen to his music, I just get it. I've either seen it or have been around that story he is rapping about. I also like the samples of old Mexican tunes he uses and how they're mixed.

I have seen MSG perform on two other ocassions: Una Noche de la Gloria 2009 at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center in San Antonio, Texas and at Mi Casa Cantina at Este Vato's CD Release in June 2010 in Austin.

I'm excited, MSG is having an Album Release at Limelight in San Antonio, Texas on November 20, 2010. I will be at the Limelight next Saturday because I want to see MSG perform and I want the new album, OCCUPIED STATE. I haven't asked about the album, songs or any background information because I want it to be new and fresh.

Below you'll see a great sample of MSG in an "Official" professionally produced music video.


The second is a video of an actual performance which gives you an even better sense of MSG in action.


Other artist performing at are:

Mojoe

Diego Bernal

Astex

Scuba Gooding Sr.

Share
|

Making Movies At Momo's November 2, 2010

Making Movies, a band from Kansas City, Missouri, is on tour and performed at Momo's in Austin, Texas on Tuesday November 2 , 2010 for KUT 90.5fm World Music Night presented by Bemba Entertainment. Making Movies is a band which performs both in English and Spanish but the Latin influence is the dominant flavor. Their music is very Rock, Latin and Pop and really appeals to very broad audience. On Tuesday, aside from their exceptional play list, they played a White Stripes cover song, "Seven Army Nation." To put it mildly, I liked the hell out of their version of the cover version. The song started out with a Latin flair but then morphed into a Santana cover then back to "Seven Army Nation." I was a fantastic blend of two songs and artist. Making Movies is very creative and very original. Catch a performance or two if you can, check Tour Schedule.


Below is video of cover song, "Seven Army Nation," and another exceptional song performed by Making Movies from Tuesday night's performance at Momo's





Bemba Entertainment presents World Music Night every Tuesday at Momo's. Check Bemba's Calendar or Momo's Calender for information. See you there.

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.

Austin Vida's "Mi Gente" Salsa Happy Hour at The Parish in October

Austin Vida is teaming up with The Parish, a 6th Street hot spot, to bring "Mi Gente" a Tueday night Salsa Happy Hour in October. The Salsa Happy Hour starts at 6:00 PM with music, dancing and a $3.50 Mojito drink special and ends at 9:00 PM.

Now, a happy hour is a happy hour is a happy! To make this happy hour a "Salsa Happy Hour," who else than DJ Orion, in conjunction with Fania Records could truly make it happen. DJ Orion, one of the members of Peligrosa All-Stars DJ's, spins tunes from an extensive list of Fania Records artists and others. This happy hour highlighted the late great Tito Puente. Fania Records is celebrating their release of Tito Puente two-disk anthology, El Rey. You know, El Rey is a must for all true Salseros, Latin music lovers and of course, DJ's.

I attended this happy hour and had a great time. I like The Parish, the ambiance and sound system is exceptional, the crowd was intimate and the music was made for dancing.

The next "Mi Gente" Salsa Happy Hour will be on October 19 at The Parish, located at 214-c E 6th Street from 6:00-9:00 PM. Ages 21 and up.

Here's DJ Orion in action;



Here's a sample of the Fania Records El Rey:

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+

Making Movies: A Band Making a Name

Making Movies, a Latin alternative rock band from Kansas City, Missouri, was at Momo's last night. They're touring to promote their new CD, IN DEO SPERAMUS. I had read about Making Movies last year in Café magazine and in their web publication. They drew my attention at that time and when I heard they were coming to the two day Pachanga Latino Music Festival 2010 I was excited. Unfortunately part of the festival was canceled and Making Movies would not perform. I guess I would have to wait for another time. Well, I lucked out because Making Movies finally made it to Austin, Texas. Bemba Entertainment brought in Making Movies for the weekly "World Music Night" sponsored by KUT 90.5fm at Momo's.

Making Movies has definitely made a buzz in the music industry in a short time. Their music was featured on AOL Musica and NPR Weekend Edition, "La Marcha" video is available on iTunes and Making Movies has toured with Grammy winners, Aterciopelados.

I like Making Movies. They blend all of my favorite Latin alternative bands into one creative and very talented group. They perform both in English and Spanish. Their music has influences of Latin, Afrobeat and also combines new music with old Latin and Spanish influences. I also like that their music is edgy and bold but not in your face. The percussion in the band adds depth and also gives it a full Latin flavor. Check these guys out soon and buy their In Deo Speramus CD.

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

JEZ: New Star in Austin

I'm always looking for the next big artist or band, both locally and beyond. I'm not in the music business but I do share my finds with people who are. You could call me an avid music fan or crazy, hence the name "Manny Go Crazy." Every Tuesday at Momo's, Brandon Badillo of Bemba Entertainment presents World Music Night sponsored by KUT 90.5fm/kut.org. Brandon has provided numerous of my new discoveries because he books many exceptional and diverse acts for World Music Night, as well as other venues and activities.

I was looking through Bemba's and Momo's calenders, the opening act for Tuesday July 13th was JEZ. I had never heard of JEZ so I looked JEZ up. I checked out the MySpace page and YouTube for info and music. There was also a website with an e-mail sign up. I liked what I had seen and heard so I decided I would go. Brandon had also sent me a music link on Facebook of JEZ's current album. When I got to Momo's and JEZ started their set, I was just blow away. Do you remember the Maxwell's man in chair being blown away by the speaker ad? (click on link) Well that was me Tuesday night. Jezarey Barbazcy, known simply as JEZ, is from Houston, Texas and now living in Austin. His band at present lives in Houston. Their music was a combination of Rock, Latin, Folk and Pop. I was impressed with the lyrics and exceptional musicianship of the band. Their music kept me mesmerized for their entire set. I also heard many musical influences in some of their songs. For instance in "Aire" I heard U2 and in other songs I heard Mana, John Mayer to name a few artist.

I've seen a lot bands. These bands have been in various stages of success. They range from just starting out to bands who are touring nationally. JEZ is already at star level waiting to be re-discovered in a new setting, Austin, Texas the "Live Music of the World." The buzz has already started with JEZ's appearance on Fox TV's Good Day-Live Music segment on Tuesday morning, Momo's in the evening, July 13th plus my little blog. I anticipate great things for JEZ and once you see JEZ perform you'll know why.

El Tule: "Working Man's Cumbia"

El Tule has a song off their El Tule Volumen II CD titled "Working Man's Cumbia" that could have been written for the band. They are always working somewhere every week, it seems. I've been following El Tule for a couple of years and I would give them the title of "Hardest Working Band in Austin" and possibly the world? They also have two CDs, corresponding videos and working on new projects. If you check their Upcoming Shows on their Myspace page, you'll see they're booked until October. So if you need a band, El Tule's schedule is getting full fast so reserve your date now.

I like El Tule because they have a good variety of music which includes Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia and Latin. They have a strong solid sound. I especially like how they put their heart and soul into their music and performances. When you see them perform you'll know what I mean.

Recently I traveled to San Antonio's Main Plaza to see El Tule perform. I invited familia to come see El Tule because I had told them all how great they were. You know Mexican families are big, with brothers, sisters, Mom, Dad, tios, tias, primos, primas and abuelos and abuelitas and as George Lopez would say "all in one car." We had a blast! If you haven't seen El Tule, they're coming to a venue or city near you.

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:

En Tu Ciudad Tour February 25th at Mohawk, Austin, Texas

DON'T MISS THIS EVENT! IT'S FREE
(You Have to Register)

THREE OF MY FAVORITE BANDS:

GIRL IN A COMA-San Antonio's indie rockers, sisters Nina and Phanie Diaz and friend Jenn Alva, will be headlining the show. They have a unique sound which their Myspace page tags as Garage, Rock, Punk. I've seen this band perform and they will rock you in and out and all around. Presently, their new video, Their Cell, is airing on several music video channels. If your not a fan now, you will be.

PINATA PROTEST-When I first heard that this San Antonio band played punk with an accordian, I knew I had to see them. It's been almost a year since I've seen Pinata Protest but it's time for a Mexican mosh pit throw down. You don't go to see or hear Pinata Protest, you physically participate. I do have to warn you, you may come out with a few bruises. They have been described as "puro pedo punk rock" and that's pretty accurate.

ESTE VATO-One of my top favorite, up and coming bands, Austin-based Este Vato combines Latin , fusion, cumbia rock with electronic samples. I've seen Este Vato a few times and I always look forward to seeing and meeting them again. Now with Este Vato, come with your dancing shoes on. They definitely have a beat and a rythme that will make you want to find a dance partner. If you didn't bring a partner, Este Vato always attracts a lot of good looking dancing partners.

Look for AustinVida's feature article on Este Vato this week.

Manolo Black, Hobo D and Pagame are three of the DJs who are part of the Peligrosa All Stars

MOHAWK-An excellent place to have this event.

Presented by: Myspace Latino, Remezcla
Sponsored by: La Otra Puerta Matrix