Friday evening, at the start of the fifth annual Pachanga Fest, the excitement could be felt in the air. Attendees were anxiously awaiting to see artists take the stage as the DJs Peligrosa played Caribbean, Central, & South American rhythms. La Division Del Norte opened the festival, followed by Chingo Bling. Outernational hit the stage to perform music from their new album, Todos Somos Ilegales. Their sound was infectious and lead singer, Miles Solay delivered a powerful performance. The desire for music with a conscious is clearly on the rise, as evidenced by the massive popularity of groups such as Outernational, Calle 13, and Ana Tijoux.
Calle 13 closed the first day of Pachanga Fest playing hit songs as well as new songs from their latest album, Entren Los Que Quieran. Calle 13 has a large Latin and non Latino fan base in Austin and those fans came out in droves to hear them play at the Festival.The second and final day of the Pachanga Fest was a full day event that catered to all groups including children, who had a play area called Niños Rock with games and activities to keep them entertained while parents rocked out to the music of numerous acts in different stages. The acts played sets on three different stages within the Fiesta Gardens. Stand out performances were delivered by Gustavo Galindo and Ana Tijoux. Gustavo engaged the listeners with his voice and charming look, while the chilean rapper Ana Tijoux had everyone head bobbing with her conscious lyrics as she sang “Shock” from her latest album La Bala. Festival brought in musical genius’ from all over the country like Girl in a Coma from San Antonio- TX, Snow Da Product – Dallas TX, David Garza – Austin TX, Los Lonely Boys, and La Santa Cecilia. Many came from around the world like Forro In The Park – Brazil, Chico Trujillo- Chile.
The producers of the festival clearly have a hit on their hands and an even larger Pachanga Fest can be expected next year. The Latino musical presence in Austin, Texas is here to stay. Check out our Pictures!
