Robert Rodriguez and Chingon
Hometown: Austin, Texas
http://www.chingonmusic.com/
Also,
Del Castillo,
Patricia Vonne
I had my first SXSW party experience tonight. After spending the day manning our booth at the the Interactive and Film tradeshow Jeffb and I headed off in search of a party.
We'd been invited to the ASCAP party at Maggie Mae's so we hiked to 6th Street to see what was happening. Free barbecue was flowing (as I've been told it does at most of the parties) and we of course partook. Brisket, chicken, coleslaw, beans, and beer........ It doesn't get much better than that.
My appetite was under control, but I still needed some good live music. An unidentified guitarist was playing at Maggie Mae's, and while a snapped a few shots of him Jeff told me about a party he'd just heard about. One being thrown by film director Robert Rodriguez at Antone`s. Ok, that`s where I wanted to go.
SXSW platinum badges have their benefits. The line outside Antone's was huge, but we were ushered into the club. On stage when we arrived was Rodriguez' sister Patricia Vonne. I wasn't familiar with the hybrid tejano, conjuto, rock, country I heard tonight, but I have become a fan. Patricia is a dynamic frontwoman with tight band backing her up. Patricia was also joined on stage several times by her sister who is an incredible Flamenco dancer, and the legendary saxophonist Johnny Reno.
Following Patricia were Latin rockers Del Castillo. Many of the lyrics were in Spanish and the music had a definite Latin feel, and it had the sound of a polished, pro rock band. Alex Ruiz is a consummate frontman. He's sexy, and cocky, and his vocals were powerful. The del Castillo brothers, Rick and Mark, handle guitar duties in the band, and they impressed the hell out of me. I do love Latin and Flamenco guitar and these boys took us to school with their performance, which peaked as both guitarists played stupid fast tandem lead lines while holding the guitars behind their heads.
After a short break and some equipment changes, del Castillo returned to the stage as Chingon, Robert Rodriguez' badass mariachi band. Rodriguez was now M.C. and third guitar. The setlist was made up of songs from his films. Sadly, the day at the trade show had taken its toll and our backs and feet were crying for mercy only 4 songs into the set. We decide to make our exit and brave the torrential downpour for the 10 block walk back to the car.
This is only the beginning! Three more days of the Interactive/Film Festival, and then it's the music, with the day parties (more free barbecue) and evening showcases. I need to rest up, but I don't see that happening. Stay tuned.
