By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
Noches Musicales, Del Rio’s Friday night songfest held at Brown Plaza for nearly 20 summers, kicks off tonight.
“We know people want to dance at the Plaza,” said Lupita De La Paz, Casa de la Cultura executive director. “For many, I think it’s just become part of a tradition.”
De la Paz said the 10-week event comes with about a $20,000 price tag.
“It’s a whole production. Bands do get paid,” De la Paz said. “That’s one thing that’s important, musicians need to get paid. We get a sound person. We have the same sound equipment every week to make sure it sounds good. And then we also pay for the street closure, for the barricades and for the rental of the plaza.”
Tonight’s band, Tejano Heat, is performing a tribute to Tony Faz, a musician and former justice of the peace, who recently died.
“We encourage everyone to bring your chair, bring your people and catch that sweet summer breeze,” said La Paz.
This is the schedule for the remainder of the summer.
June 13 – La Química
June 20 – Da Krazy Pimpz
June 27 – On the Fly
July 4 – Family Jewelz
July 11 – Conjunto Mi Rey
July 18 – Navegantes del Bravo
July 25 – Rick Cisneros and Southern Comfort
August 1 – Calle Cuatro
August 8 – Combo Cósmico
De La Paz said there would be more than music offered with food from Tacos Don Chuy, Tacos El Gordo, Rosy’s Gorditas, Hotdog Heaven, Walo’s, Tasty’s, Sip Society Lemonade, Neto’s Espiri Papas, Onolicious Shave Ice, Aguas de los Cielos, Cardenas Funnel Cakes and Sweet Popping Kettle Corn.
The writer can be reached at JoelaLangton@gmail.com .
