First Annual Latino Music Festival in Austin

Anyone that has been to Austin knows that there are always plenty of opportunities available for enjoying live music.  Similarly, Austin is well known for being a melting pot of cultures in which a wide variety of cultures are embraced and celebrated on a regular basis.  The first Pachanga (which means “party” in Spanish) Latino Music Festival took place in Waterloo Park this past Saturday – and it was a great success.

Over 20 different Latin rock groups from various parts of the country took place in the festival.  Of course, some Austin-based bands were also part of the festivities, including the rock ‘n roll band Vallejo, hip-hoppers Los Bad Apples, and Grupo Fantasma, which is a funk orchestra.  The organizer of the event, Rich Garza, hoped to use the festival in order to fill what he feels is a void in representation of Latin rock and roll in the Austin area.

“There are so many bands out there,” said Garza.  “No one has ever rolled them up together and shone a spotlight on the scene.”

The diversity of the Austin music scene is one of the reasons why so many people decide to move to the Austin area.  According to the Statesman, only a few hundred people made it out to the year’s event.  But, organizers plan to continue having a festival each year and the numbers are certain to grow.