By: Fredwill Hernandez
Anticipation and excitement were in the air for the start of [Estrella Media‘s flagship] radio station Que Buena‘s [Los Angeles] 2021 — Fiestas Patrias concert and celebration which took place Sun. – Sept. 12, 2021 at the Los Angeles Heritage Park, in compliance with all state and local health [Covid 19] guidelines, including the use of face coverings [mandatory 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 who called on residents of the town of Dolores [near Guanajuato, Mexico] to band together and rise up against the Spaniards, therefore ending Spanish rule in Mexico. This subsequently led to the Republic of Mexico officially declaring on October 18, 1825, September 16 its national Independence Day (Dia de la Independencia).
The yearly event which boast 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 Michuacan, Mexico] Federico Villa, new comers Nuevo Elemento, Jari Franco, Banda Los Recoditos, and Gerardo Ortiz who turned out to be the headliner as a “surprise musical guest.”
By the screams, fan engagement and enthusiasm the evening belonged to Luis Coronel, who charismatically hit the stage holding “his signature” red long stem roses which he eventually passed and threw out to screaming fans. Coronel even threw out a classy red and black blazer sports jacket and joked, “about how one has two chances in life,” since it took him two attempts to finally toss the jacket out to his fans.
“It’s amazing, to see all the Mexican people come out to one of these events – it’s amazing. Fiestas Patrias is everything to be honest, we get to celebrate our patriotism towards Mexico, so it’s a blessing more than anything to be able to do music, be on stage and give it to the people this day,” eloquently expressed Coronel on his way out after his [electrifying] performance.
Other performance highlights were by Regional Mexican singer/songwriter Joss Favela, who eventually ended doing an acoustic set [and performing solo] due to his musicians not being able to acquire their visas [in time] to cross the border. This eventually worked in Favela’s favor by allowing him to showcase his singing and [acoustic guitar] musicianship, something that [definitely] set him apart.
Other noteworthy performances were by Beto y sus Canarios, and also Banda Los Recoditos who [both] have a great stage presence, always command the stage, and have an extensive repertoire to choose from.
The biggest unexpected surprise of the evening was not by Gerardo Ortiz, but by Marisela Vallejos [Sanchez] the widow of Regional Mexican singer/songwriter and musical [icon and] legend Chalino Sánchez, who made an appearance on stage thanking both the radio, and all the fans of her late husband Chalino, for all the love, and support they have always shown in keeping not only Chalino’s [her late husband’s] memory alive — but also her son Adán Chalino Sánchez, who was also [after his father’s death] tragically killed on March 27, 2004 –in Sinaloa, Mexico.
“Thank you, its an honor to personally be here to thank you each one of you for the love and support you have all shown, and show — in keeping the memory of my late husband Chalino alive and also of my son Adán Chalino Sánchez, and to send a beautiful message through this dove all the way to where Chalino is,” eloquently expressed Vallejos as she released a white dove, followed the by the release of [a flock] other white doves released right after, as Chalino Sánchez’ version of the Mexican classic song “Nieves de Enero,” played in the background and the [entire] crowd sang.
Vallejos is fond of Estrella Media and their flagship Que Buena radio stations which have been [among other radio stations] “instrumental” in keeping both her late husband’s [and her son’s Adán Chalino Sánchez] legacy, and musical trajectory alive, through [the playing of] their music — due in part to its [Los Angles based] Que Buena’s programing director — Pepe Garza, who learned more about Chalino Sánchez’ musical contributions [singing/songwriting] and his [musical] impact, legacy, and what he meant [predominately] in the Regional Mexican Norteño [and Banda] realm, after his passing on May 16, 1992.