By: Fredwill Hernandez
Anticipation and excitement filled the air as [Estrella Media’s flagship] radio station Que Buena’s [Los Angeles] 2021 — Fiestas Patrias concert and celebration kicked off on Sunday, September 12, 2021, at Los Angeles Heritage Park, following all state and local health [Covid 19] protocols, including the mandatory wearing of face coverings at all times.
The celebration included the ceremony of “El Grito,” remembering and commemorating September 15, 1810, in which Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Roman Catholic priest, called on residents of the town of Dolores, near Guanajuato, Mexico, to band together and rise up against the Spaniards, thereby ending Spanish rule in Mexico. This subsequently led to the Republic of Mexico officially declaring September 16 its national Independence Day (Día de la Independencia) on October 18, 1825.
The yearly event which boasts high-caliber predominately Regional Mexican talent draws hundreds of attendees — and this year was no different. Many lined up before the official start of the event which boasted performances by the likes of Joss Favela, Luis Coronel, Mariachi singer Edith Márquez, Dareyes de la Sierra, the son of Los Tucanes de Tijuana frontman/singer/songwriter Mario Quintero who is following in his father’s musical footsteps — Tapy Quintero, Sandra Echeverria, Álex Arellano, Elidian, brothers Río Roma, Beto y sus Canarios, Larry Hernandez, Mariachi pioneer from Michoacán, Mexico Federico Villa, newcomers Nuevo Elemento, Jari Franco, Banda Los Recoditos, and Gerardo Ortiz who turned out to be the headliner as a “surprise musical guest.”
The evening clearly belonged to Luis Coronel, as evidenced by the screams, fan excitement, and energy. He confidently took the stage clutching his trademark red long-stemmed roses, which he eventually handed out and tossed to the cheering crowd. Coronel also threw off a stylish red and black blazer jacket, joking about how “one only gets two chances in life,” since it took him two tries to successfully toss the jacket to his fans.
“It’s incredible to witness so many Mexican people gather for an event like this – truly incredible. Fiestas Patrias means everything, honestly; it’s a chance to honor our love for Mexico. So, more than anything, it’s a blessing to perform music, take the stage, and share it with the crowd on this special day,” Coronel said thoughtfully as he left after his electrifying performance.
Another standout performance came from Regional Mexican singer-songwriter Joss Favela, who ended up doing an acoustic solo set after his band members were unable to get their visas in time to cross the border. This situation ultimately benefited Favela, giving him the chance to highlight his vocal talent and acoustic guitar skills, which truly distinguished him.
Also impressive were the acts of Beto y sus Canarios and Banda Los Recoditos, both known for their strong stage presence, consistently captivating the audience, and offering a wide selection of songs.
The most unexpected surprise of the evening wasn’t from Gerardo Ortiz, but from Marisela Vallejos [Sanchez], the widow of Regional Mexican singer-songwriter and musical legend Chalino Sánchez. She took the stage to express her gratitude to the radio and all the fans of her late husband Chalino for their continuous love and support. Their dedication has not only kept Chalino’s memory alive but also that of her son, Adán Chalino Sánchez, who was tragically killed on March 27, 2004, in Sinaloa, Mexico.
“I am grateful and honored to be here in person to express my appreciation for the love and support you have all demonstrated, and continue to demonstrate — in preserving the memory of my deceased husband Chalino, as well as my son Adán Chalino Sánchez, and to convey a heartfelt message via this dove to Chalino,” Vallejos stated gracefully as she set free a white dove, which was then followed by the release of several other white doves, all while Chalino Sánchez’ rendition of the famous Mexican song “Nieves de Enero” played and the whole audience sang along.”
Vallejos is fond of Estrella Media and its flagship Que Buena radio station, which has been instrumental in keeping both her late husband’s and her son’s, Adán Chalino Sánchez, legacy and musical trajectory alive through their music, due in part to its Que Buena’s programming director, Pepe Garza, who learned more about Chalino Sánchez’ musical contributions and his impact and legacy after his passing on May 16, 1992.
