featuring Los Lobos with the ballet Folklorico México de Carlos Moreno
Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) Performing Arts Series (PAS) presents the Fiesta México Americana tour featuring Los Lobos with the Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno Tuesday, Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m., in the OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater. Their performance at OCCC will be the only Oklahoma appearance on this tour.
Los Lobos, the Grammy winning East L.A. legends and 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees comprised of David Hidalgo, Louie Perez, Cesar Rosas, Conrad Lozano and Steve Berlin, are going back to their roots with a series of special performances with the iconic dance troupe Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno on the Fiesta México Americana Tour. Conceived by Eric Amada @ AMA and Artistic Director/Choreographer Carlos Moreno of the Ballet Folklorico Mexicano, Los Lobos will integrate live performances of both traditional Mexican folk songs and selections from their repertoire—”La Pistola y El Corazon” in particular—with the vibrant performers of the BFM. They’ll seamlessly share the stage, presenting popular traditional folk pieces from the regions of Guerrero, Veracruz, Tamaulipas and Chihuahua. Each ensemble will also individually perform their own artistic creations which have evolved from their Mexican-American experience. Both groups will demonstrate their dedication and commitment to exploring and honoring Mexican Folklore.
Says Steve Berlin: “The tour came to be because of the herculean effort by Carlos Moreno and Eric Amada to make it happen. BFM evidently had been dancing to a few of the songs from our album ‘La Pistola y El Corazon’ and it was they who came up with the idea of integrating the dance troupe into an evening of us playing and them dancing to both our music and some folkloric numbers we had been playing for many years. It makes for a very edifying and entertaining night.”
The band recently released its all new full-length studio album, “Gates of Gold,” which was released by 429 Records to rave reviews. Their first collection of new songs since 2010, the album was produced by the band. The music is as dynamic, eclectic yet distinctive as ever. Thoughtful, darkly romantic and spiritual lyrics are enhanced by slow burning blues rock, impressionistic soul, traditional Mexican folk music and straight ahead garage band jams.
Says NPR: “‘Gates of Gold,’ the group’s first album of new material in five years, practically bursts with the spirit of exploration that has marked Los Lobos’ best work over the years. Musically and culturally, the band speaks to its audience in a way few other have or could.”
Los Lobos are entering their fifth decade, as the humblest of musical icons, having racked up countless accolades for their uncompromising artistry. With four Grammys in hand and the respect and admiration of their musical peers, the band still hearken back to their beginnings as “the soundtrack of the barrio” and remain a cultural touchstone for a community.
Tickets for Fiesta Mexico-American are currently on sale for $36-$55. To purchase your individual or group tickets, please choose from the following options:
• Online at tickets.occc.edu
• By calling the Cultural Programs department at (405) 682-7579
• In person at the Cultural Programs Box Office
For more information about cultural events at Oklahoma City Community College, please visit /pas or call (405) 682-7579.
Oklahoma City Community College opened the doors to the 1,049-seat Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater in early 2014. It features a large atrium with three-story high windows, state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment and will allow the college to host larger Broadway-style touring productions. The Visual and Performing Arts Center also houses an art gallery and academic center featuring a rehearsal room, library, six classrooms, seven studios, seven labs and faculty offices.
