Valley fans turn out for Latin music performances

MERCEDES — Music fans didn’t let rain get in the way of enjoying the variety of sounds at the first Latino Festival on Sunday.

Hundreds of people flocked to the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show grounds that afternoon to listen to a wide selection of Latin music acts, including DJ Flex, Alacranes Musical, El Compa Chuy, Solido and other artists. Hip hop performer Pitbull headlined the event and was scheduled to perform later that evening.

Weslaco resident Claudia Cantu arrived at the fairgrounds about 2 p.m. to make sure she had a good spot to watch Pitbull.

“I hope he sings (the) new songs that are coming out,” said Cantu, 19.

Organizers of the inaugural event said they wanted to bring a music festival showcasing the different genres of Latin music, similar to Calle Ocho in Miami. Calle Ocho, started in 1978, is a huge block party that highlights Latin culture with music and other activities.

In its first year, the event had eight bands of different styles from hip hop and reggaeton to Mexican regional, said Santiago Cruz, one of the event’s organizers.

Ben De Leon, lead singer of Solido, said the band enjoys being able to play at home. The Rio Grande City-based group tours a lot throughout the year, he said.

And being able to perform at an event that promotes Latin music and culture is an added plus, he said.

“I think we’ve got the best music,” De Leon said about Latin music.

Most people crowded around the gates surrounding the stage, listening to the opening acts. Others sat on bleachers in the back, waiting for the main event as others walked around the pavilion.

Edinburg residents Frank Salinas and Carla Perez, both 24, decided to make the trip east to see a friend of Salinas’ who was working at the event as well as the artists.

“Pitbull was kind of the motivation (for us coming),” said Perez. “And support of Latino culture.”

Jennifer L. Berghom covers education and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4462.