As the annual South By Southwest music fest nears its end, we want to give locals and welcomed visitors alike one more chance to see some of the country’s best Latin music before everything wraps up. We will be presenting five of our favorites from here in Texas to California on Saturday afternoon from noon to 5 p.m. at Sahara Lounge. No badges or RSVPs necessary.
We’re starting the day off with some good ole’ fashion Austin Conjunto goodness from Susan Torres y Conjunto Clemencia. East L.A.’s own Las Cafeteras follow with their brand of Son Jarocho, a regional folk musical style of Mexican Son from Veracruz. If you missed them during their Austin tour stop last year at Sahara Lounge, then make sure to catch their set at 1 p.m.
Things start to get rowdy (in a good way) when San Antonio-based punkeros Piñata Protest take the stage at 2 p.m. Ever seen a punk band with an accordion? You’ll love it. Think Dropkick Murphys meet Flaco Jiménez.
The West Coast takes over again at 4 p.m. with Los Angeles-based Latin roots artist La Santa Cecilia. No stranger to Austin, the group has performed at both South by Southwest and Pachanga Latino Music Fest. An obvious reflection of their home city, La Santa Cecilia’s music fuses elements of cumbia, bossa nova, rumba, bolero, tango, jazz, rock and klezmer music. Combine that with the powerful and sultry vocals of frontwoman Marisol Hernandez and you have something great.
Closing the party down is the Tucson big band, Sergio Mendoza Y La Orkesta. Lead by the multi-talented everything from keyboards and percussion to guitars and horns, the group may be responsible for making mambo popular again to the masses. The group caters to Latinos, jazz lovers and hipsters alike. If you didn’t see them at Pachanga Fest in 2010, be at Sahara Club at 4 p.m.
The Sahara Lounge is located at 1413 Webberville Rd. Doors open at 11 a.m. Music at noon. 21+ welcome. No RSVPs or wristbands required. Food will be available for purchase from the Sahara Smokehouse Trailer. For map and location, click here. Visit the Facebook event page here.
