The Chicano Music Festival, in the works for about three years by the Western New Mexico University-sponsored Chicano Music Project, came to fruition this weekend. From the Old James Stadium to the Fine Arts Center Theatre and its parking lot, as well as other campus venues, people wandered, visited with friends, checked out vendors and informational booths, and, in general, listened to the live music from some bands from former days in the area, who traveled just for the event, to present-day singers and guitarists.
Events of the day continue into this evening with the premiere showing of the documentary movie, "Parece que fue ayer: A Celebration of Grant County Musicians" at 7 p.m. at the WNMU Fine Arts Center Theater.
Tickets were distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, bringing out many of the crowd early to ensure receipt of a ticket. Live performances by Maxx Band, Suavecito and Mariachi Cabrera immediately follow the movie.
In addition, this evening, as there was last evening, a dance will be held at the Flame for $5 at the door, identification required. Tonight's headliners are at 9 p.m. Benny and the New Royal Tones and at 10:30 p.m. Illusion Band.
Photos by Mary Alice Murphy
Chicano Music Festival 2013
Chicano Music Festival 2013
The Chicano Music Festival, put on by the Chicano Music Project, continues until late tonight on the Western New Mexico Campus, at Old James Stadium, the Fine Arts Center Theater parking lot and other venues around the campus.
Chicano Music Festival 2013
Casa de la Cultura, based in Santa Clara, was selling cold specialty drinks, including horchata, as a fundraiser for the educational group. From left are James Knight Jr., holding the sign, Jerry Arroyo, Casa de la Cultural President Trini Tolar, Alize Simpson, Maria Trillo, and Isabel Macias.
Chicano Music Festival 2013
One of the sponsors of the event, the WNMU Chicano/Chicana/Hemispheric Studies Department, was dispensing information about its courses. From left are Pilar Gasc+?n-Rus, Margarita E. Wulftange, Frank H. Wulftange, Dr. Margarita P. Wulftange, Dr. Lydia Huerta Moreno and Dr. Trini Tolar.
Chicano Music Festival 2013
People wander Old James Stadium to see what vendors have to offer.
Chicano Music Festival 2013
Barbara Garcia of Hurley sang for the crowd.
Chicano Music Festival 2013
The covered, shaded seats in front of the stage quickly filled for the event.
Chicano Music Festival 2013
An additional part of the event was a car show, with old vehicles from the area, all over the state and from Arizona.
Chicano Music Festival 2013
Three classic pick-up trucks were part of the show.
Chicano Music Festival 2013
A classic yellow Ford Thunderbird caught the photographer's eye.
Chicano Music Festival 2013
another view of the seated crowd. Groups had also set up tents over the stepped seating and around the stage.