Fiesta México Americana featuring Los Lobos with Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno

Tuesday, February 16, 2016, 7:30 P.M.

OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater

Presented By

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.