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
|

Este Vato CD Release Party at Mi Casa

Bemba Entertainment and Este Vato, Austin's best Latin Fusion band, is having a CD Release Party to promote and celebrate their music. This CD Release Party will be the "Mother" of all CD release parties and keep in mind "What happens in Mi Casa, stays in Mi Casa."

Venue: Mi Casa Cantina located at 503 E. 6th Street in Austin, Texas

Musical Line-up: Este Vato, Piñata Protest and Mexican Stepgrandfather

Date: June 5, 2010

Time: 10:00 PM till they kick us out

Cost: Free - over 21 and $5 - under 21 years of age

Este Vato is officially debuting their self titled CD, "Este Vato," this Saturday and performing the songs from the CD plus new material. Este Vato specializes in Latin fusion, Mexican Cumbia and Rock with a skilled Emcee and a DJ to give their music more depth and uniqueness. I can honestly say there is no other band like Este Vato or comes close. They have already established themselves as a premier band in the Austin music scene and this new CD gives Este Vato the complete promotional package every band strives for. Este Vato is a must see musical experience.



Piñata Protest is another favorite band. I came across the band at In The Flesh Tattoo Studio loft a couple of years ago. When I heard they were a Punk/Rock/Conjunto band, I needed to see them. They are amazing and I catch them whenever they're in Austin. Piñata Protest is another unique band. I can't say I've ever heard a band like Piñata Protest before and was glad to see them again at Pachanga Latino Music Festival 2010 on May 22, 2010. Piñata Protest also has a new CD, "Plethora," out at this time and put them in the must category as well.



I first saw rapper Marco Cervantes, aka Mexican Stepgrandfather a couple of years ago at the Flamingo Cantina with Este Vato. I really liked MSG's lyrics, music and style. MSG was different. He was not a young teen or a twenty something, he is a mature brother, he is originally from Houston but lives in San Antonio, Texas and more interesting is the fact that Marco Cervantes is Assistant Professor of Mexican American Studies at University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA). MSG combines all these factors in his music and tells a story of the immigrant struggle and personal life experiences. You have to see MSG. Also, a must see performer.

The last time I saw Rocky Reyna of Este Vato, I told him I'd like to see an Este Vato show with Mexican Stepgrandfather. Thanks to Rocky for fulfilling my request and with such a special event.



I like a lot of bands and I have a lot of favorites. I especially like out of the ordinary bands. This event has three unique and exceptional bands that will provide a night of extraordinary entertainment, dancing and fun you'll remember for a long time. You will also become avid fans of these groups as I have. Hope to see you there.