This year’s Chicano Music Festival highlights include el Mariachi Tardeada, the Summer Pachanga, Chicano Music Hall of Fame and a fabulous live and online auction featuring “everything you ever wanted but didn’t know you did”. This year’s performers include Mariachi Vasquez, Chicano Heat, Jr. Pacheco y Legado Mariachi Aguila Colorado, Mariachi los Mensajeros and more.
The Su Teatro Chicano Music Festival is an annual event celebrating Chicano and indigenous music from Colorado and Mexico, with a focus on honoring musicians who have contributed to the continuation of Spanish-language music in the region. The festival was created by then Su Teatro Music Director Rudy Bustos, who having visited the Tejano Conjunto Festival in San Antonio, Texas saw the possibilities of a similar gathering in Denver. The has become a staple of the Su Teatro‘s season, it includes live performances, workshops, a community jam session, a full day of mariachi programming, dancing food and general good time.
The 29th Annual Chicano Music Festival and Art + Auction 2025 will take place July 23rd through the 27th. The festival began out of Su Teatro’s desire to speak to the music of Chicanos in Colorado, la musica coloradense. It would represent music borne in Mexico but raised in the United States it has been a mission of the CMF to unite the many different aspect of music enjoyed by our community. It offers respect to the variety of influences, that highlight the “Mescla” ( mixture) of the Chicano experience.
Festival Highlights
Music on Film-Free
Wednesday July 23th-TheXicanIndie presents Chicano Music on Film a FREE SCREENING of the Buena Vista Social Club, now a Broadway hit. The documentary presents the actual musicians who have been so crucial to the mainland Cuban music, because of the relationship with between Cuba and the US, many had not ever played in the US. The film became a phenomenon, ushering a new energy for the traditional forms of Cuban Music such as son, danzón and bolero.
Chicano Music Hall of Fame
The Chicano Music Festival has also included the recognition of Colorado musicians through the Chicano Music Hall of Fame. In 2002, Su Teatro Artistic Director Tony Garcia, along with KUVO radio station manager Flo Hernandez-Ramos and long-time musician and instructor Dr. Lorenzo Trujillo established the Chicano Music Hall of Fame, aiming to honor musicians who have kept Spanish-language music alive in Colorado.
There has been a desire since the festival was created to highlight the work of musicians who often play in venues where the music only serves as background. At the Chicano Music Festival, the music is the center of the activities. There are no jumping castles or pool tables, audiences welcomed into an environment where the musicians are respected and participants have enough space and comfort to dance, drink a beer and enjoy some food under a beautiful cool Colorado evening sky. The festival takes place in the lot adjacent to Su Teatro’s performance space, allowing for the convenience of indoor facilities, as well as shelter in the eventuality of weather fluctuations.
The festival is rooted in the experience of the Chicano Movement and continues to reflect the community’s identity and cultural heritage. It continually asks the question, “What is Chicano music? Are we influenced solely by the music of Mexico, what about the traditions of Southern Colorado, Texas, New Mexico and even as far away as California? Is it also influenced by other Latino genres, as well as the influences of jazz, rock, rhythm and blues. So, what is unique about Chicano music, if it is represented by everything? Perhaps that isthe uniqueness, that it shares with Colorado. Being in the middle of the country we have so much cross over, but as Chicanos and our native ancestors have been here longer that influence is deeper and broader, perhaps it is that hybridity, that we will continue to explore and celebrate.
Thursday July 24th, The Chicano Music Hall of Fame Induction/Noche Tradicional Concert honors the trailblazers and the pathfinders who have inspired, preserved and broadened the range of Chicano music. It is an evening when “Legends Walk Among Us”. This year’s inductees are
Larry Lobato
Larry has been performing for almost 30 years, Latin Touch Band was his first band where Larry cut his teeth under the direction of his father Chicano Music Hall of Fame inductee Lawrence Lobato Sr. Various bands which he founded from Divercity, Latin Sol and now Chicano Heat band. Larry has played concert in the parks, weddings, anniversary’s, many different VFW, American Legion, was house band for Lechugas with Latin Sol band. He has built a broad network of fans, with his significant talents as a saxophonist and vocalist.
Pepe Cornejo and Amincha
Jose Pepe Cornejo and his band Amincha introduced the Latin American “Nueva Cancion” movement to the activists in the Chicano Movement. Music by Victor Jara, Mercedes Sosa and Violeta Parra developed in the social justice movement emerging in Latin America in response to the repressive governments being supported by the US.The band began performing in the 1970s and throughout the 80s they utilized their music to share with the communities in Colorado the struggle that was taking place throughout Latin America and in Amincha’s case throughout Chile. They were able to create a vehicle for connecting with the political struggle that Chicanos were experiencing. They provided inspiration and passion through their connection with their indigenous roots in Chile. Pepe continues to perform and record with his sons’ band Debajo del Agua.
Donnie Lucero
Donnie Lucero is a flautist extraordinaire, who has been a fixture in the Denver Latin Rock scene for 40 years. He played with the Latin Rock group Nubia, he provided experimental and sophisticated solosthat exceeded the normal. He is also a tremendous advocate of the music and has helped to facilitate the performance of groups such as Tierra and Malo. He has continued to play and influence generations moving forward by providing gathering opportunities for musicians AKA jam sessions and drumming festivals.
Robin Garcia
Robin Garcia is a versatile and highly skilled musician who plays the saxophone, the flue, keyboard and is a talented vocalist as well. Since he was 12 years old, he has been playing in bands throughout Denver, Colorado and the region. He has elevated the work of bands such as Aguila, Chicano Heat, Jakarta, Brass Attack, Soul School, Latin Soul, Deleon Brothers and Mighty Nice Band. He also toured with Freddy Rodriquez and Freddie Rodiguez Jr. on 2 USO tours to name few. His skills are such that everyone of those bands would welcome him back. He is very proud of his relationship and his work with local legend Ron Ivory.
Resistance Jam Friday July 25th will feature what has become an incredibly wild card and entertaining night for local and some national music as the community is asked to come together for the Resistance Jam. “Bring Your Axe and Your Passion and be ready to cook”! Not a musician? Come watch and dance the night away!
The Summer Pachanga July 26th is a Saturday night outdoor dance party with indoor bathrooms. It is an evening of music, food and fun. Chicano Heat and Jr. Pacheco and Grupo Legado alternate sets under a beautiful summer sky.
The festival culminates on Sunday July 27thwith the Mariachi Tardeada, an opportunity to get your mariachi fixon featuring three top mariachi groups, Mariachi Vasquez, Mariachi los Mensajeros and Mariachi Aguila.
An additional highlight of the Chicano Music Festival is the annual auction, which features the work of some of the best local and national artwork, great artwork and incredible items. The auction also features great items from local restaurants, hotels and merchants. It is truly “Everything you ever wanted but didn’t know it.”
Musicians Bios-
Chicano Heat started in 2007, under the leadership Larry Lobato Jr. Many musicians have helped push this group to new levels of success. If you love Little Joe y la familia, Al Hurricane, we specialize in Tex-Mex, NewMexico, Latin and country and more. They have played all over Colorado venues, such as the Levitt Pavilion, KUVO and Su Teatro.
Jr. Pacheco and Grupo Legado- Jr. Pacheco leads a group of talented musicians in a unique blend of Northern New Mexican/Norteno/Country-style blend of music. They have honed their skills through the years and captivated audiences with soulful melodies led by Jr’s powerful voice.
Mariachi Vasquez-A professional band, that has been playing in Colorado for over 25yrs. Mariachi Vasquez is a family band that includes Chicano Music Hall of FamerSylvia Vasquez on small rhythm guitar, and features her daughter and two sons on various other instruments.
The band offers a fusion of music mostly Latin (Vicente Fernández, Juan Gabriel, Natalia Lafourcade, Julieta Venegas, José José, Marco Antonio Solis and Selena. Mariachi Vasquez is not a traditional Mariachi Vasquez. As their sets could include a mix of different genres in English.
Mariachi los Mensajeros-A Denver based mariachi that plays popular and traditional music. Their repertoire includes rancheras, boleroa sones, huapangos, polkas, cumbias and other genres of music from all over Latin America. They are at your service to bring happiness to your party or family gathering.
Mariachi Alegre de Colorado-A vibrant and professional ensemble based in Commerce City, Colorado, bringing the rich traditions of Mexican music to life with passion and precision. Renowned for their commitment to excellence, the group has earned recognition from audiences that appreciate their dedication to delivering high-quality performances. Whether it’s a festive birthday serenade or a heartfelt quinceañera, Mariachi Aguila tailors their extensive repertoire to suit any occasion, ensuring that each event is memorable.
Chicano Music Festival and Auction
July 23-27, 2025
XicanIndie Music in Film:
Buena Vista Social Club
Wednesday July 23, 2025
at 7:30 PM, Free
Free film under the stars! Connecting Film and Music
Chicano Music Hall of Fame Induction/
Noche Tradicional Concert
Thursday July 24, 2025
at 6:30 PM, $8
Legends Walk Among Us!
Announcing the 24th Class of the Chicano Music Hall of Fame:
Pepe Cornejo and Amincha, Larry Lobato Jr., Donnie Lucero and Robin Garcia
Chicano Roots Resistance
Jam Session
Friday July 25, 2025
at 6:30 PM, $8
Bring your axe and experience, for a jam session with top musicos.
All musicians of all levels welcome!
Not a musician? Come watch and dance the night a
Summer Pachanga
Saturday July 26, 2025
at 6:00 PM, $25
Celebrating 29 years of the Chicano Music Festival
Looking for the biggest dance party of the summer? Look no further!
Featuring:
6 PM/ 9 PM – Chicano Heat
7:45 PM – LIVE AUCTION
7 PM / 10 PM. – Jr. Pacheco and Grupo Legado
Mariachi Tardeada
Sunday July 30, 2023
at 1-5 PM, $20
Drink specials, delicious food, and of course wall to wall mariachi!
What more could you ask for?
1:00 PM – Mariachi los Mensajeros
2:00 PM – Mariachi Aguila Colorado
3:00 PM – LIVE AUCTION
4:00 PM – Mariachi Vasquez
Contact: Tony Garcia
tony@suteatro.org
Su Teatro presents
29th Annual Chicano Music Festival
Mariachi, Pachanga and Hall of Fame
The Annual Art +
(Everything You Ever Wanted,
But Didn’t Know You Did.)
Auction
The Party of the Season
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