Every summer, the A.B. Cantu Pan-American Recreation Center hosts the Hillside Concert Series on Tuesday nights. Always a free, family-friendly event, the series features Latino performers of all musical backgrounds at the eastside venue. This year, the series will kick off with some old school Austin sounds with the legendary Nash Hernandez Orchestra and new school flavor from Cinco Doce.
Bandleader Nash Hernandez started the Nash Hernandez Orchestra back in 1949. Now under the direction of Ruben Hernandez, the big band full of brass continues to play all over central Texas and beyond. With such a seasoned group of veteran musicians from all backgrounds, the set list is eclectic. The group plays everything from swing to mambo to salsa to R&B to standards, and more.
Cinco Doce will also be taking the stage. The group has made its mark in recent years with a trademark sound heavily influenced by Tejano and rock, as well as other rhythmic genres like Bachata, Reggaeton, and hip-hop. Their great stage show, unique sound, and hip, urban-inspired image, have gained them a loyal following, particularly among younger listeners. Recently, the group was featured on MTV Tr3s, winning “El Headliner” for September 2012.
Those also scheduled to perform this year include:
7/8 – Palacios Bros, Alex Ruiz & Las Coronelas
7/15 – Calle Seis featuring Devin Banda, Hugo Guerrero, Raulito Navaira, J.R. Gomez and Art Tigerina
7/22 – The Chris Castaneda Project featuring The Real Patron, The Texas Wranglers
7/29 – LOS A-T BOYZ, Ruben Ramos and The Mexican Revolution
Long story short: A great schedule and lineup for a great tradition. Affordable, family-friendly event with great music to get you out of the house on a Tuesday night, but not keep you out too late. “See you on the Hillside!”
The A.B. Cantu Pan-American Recreation Center is located at 2100 E. 3rd Street, at 3rd and Robert Martinez Jr. Streets in East Austin. Music is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday in July. Admission is free, all ages are welcome. Visit the Facebook event page here.
