This past weekend, Austin, TX’s Fiesta Gardens hosted the fifth annual Pachanga Fest on May 11 and 12, a celebration of Latin art and culture’s influence in America. Numerous genres were represented on the three stages, from rock, tejano, mariachi, cumbia, salsa, electronic, funk, hip hop, to indie, and although the origins or the artists were just as varied, all attendees were united by the appreciation of the vibrant and eclectic art. Day one started at sundown, and Peligrosa, Austin’s DJ troupe, entertained between Houston’s Chingo Bling, New York’s Outernational , and Puerto Rico’s Calle 13, a collaborator on Outernational’s latest, “Todos Somo Ilegales.” The second day began with Mexican alternative quintet, Umano Ache from Laredo, TX, followed by a second Outernational appearance. Half-New York-based, half Brazil- based, flautist-led Forro in the Dark, and acclaimed Chilean rapper, Ana Tijoux, followed suit on the Hierba Stage. Just across the park, pop singer/songwriter out of Austin, David Garza serenaded, and funky and psychedelic Brownout played the main Pavilion stage along with LA’s all girl, rock trio, Girl in a Coma. The weekend closed with a set by Latino blues-rock legends, Los Lonely Boys. Pachanga Fest was a sunny and inspiring weekend, full of sounds that any music enthusiast should check out in the future. – Meijin Bruttomesso
