Today celebrates Cinco de Mayo, commonly mistaken as Mexican Independence Day, which actually represents Mexico’s victory over France during the Battle of Puebla, May 5, 1862. For Americans, specifically North Texans, it involves a lot of white-washing of heritage and legacy, in favor of getting wasted on margaritas and watching the NBA playoffs at On the Border. That actually sounds oddly appealing. And yes, there are three rad basketball games tonight, one including the dark horse Washington Wizards, who I pick to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals. In short, there are plenty of opportunities this evening to watch some ball, listen to music, and toast to my family’s homeland. There are also a few alternatives for those looking to ditch the kitsch.
Cinco de Mayo party with Chingo Bling feat. El Dusty | Scott Summers | Quick Mixx Rick | Erick Jaimez | Dustin Cavazos | Lil Moco | Danny West (Vee Lounge): Though these are always random lists, this would have to be the top event this evening. A latin-themed line-up of party acts will likely attract a diverse crowd with ardent support for the local portion of the billing, since this features artists from both Houston and Dallas.
Chingo Bling is an often-campy Houston rapper who comments on America’s systemic racism and xenophobia through goofball humor and crude rhymes. “Like This n Like That” was heard frequently in my neighborhood during the mid-2000’s, and I’m not ashamed to say that I acted somewhat irresponsibly in that era with this track acting as the anthem. Local MC, Dustin Cavazos is one of my favorite live acts in town and it will be interesting to see if his loyal following will follow him to Fort Worth to see him.
Froth | Sealion | Bummer Summer (Rubber Gloves): In Denton there’s a nice nightcap option to end the day’s festivities with surf-rock from Cali’s FROTH, while local acts Sealion and Bummer Summer will provide sonically similar support. Sealion’s Kenneth tape still has yet to leave my boom box, as it’s always standby as appropriate background noise to lazy day-drinking on a Sunday.
Beethoven Festival (Meyerson Symphony Center): If you’re looking for a total withdraw from the day’s charged atmosphere, here is your relief, though on the contrary, conductor Jaap van Zweden in a recent talk with KERA, made the point that Beethoven’s life and music were both rather dramatic. So perhaps not a quiet relief. Not at all a last resort show, this ranks as the most accomplished and regal of the night’s proceedings, with the finest masters of Dallas music at their best. If I had the funds I would totally take a special someone to this.
The Cool Out (Crown and Harp): Tony Schwa seems perfect to host a party incorporating Cinco de Mayo, as he is never cheesy and always respectful when it comes to a culturally- or personality-themed event. DJ Brent is tonight’s guest.
Also at Crown and Harp (downstairs), there will be a psych band from Guadalajara called Lorelle Meets the Obsolete, along with Ttotals. Both groups played Psych Fest over the weekend. Frauen and Nervous Curtains will also perform, and you can find more info here.
