By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
San Felipe Spring Jam, a music festival exclusively spotlighting Del Rio artists, is Saturday evening at La Rambla.
La Rambla is an under-the-radar venue found along the San Felipe Creek, whose parking lot is at 809 E. Losoya St., right across from Memo’s.
The event features performances from local talent including The Family Jewelz, Madison Hailey, Clifton Castle and La Historia de un Juan.
Headlining the festival is The Family Jewelz, a trio of brothers from Del Rio known for delivering a powerful sound that blends rock, blues and funk. Video here.
Preceding them is La Historia de un Juan, the stage name of Juan Mireles, a local teacher and coach known for his smooth Spanish love songs and growing popularity on streaming platforms. He’s also been known to bring his guitar into the classroom from time to time. Video here .
Before that, Del Rio music icon Clifton Castle will take the stage. While Castle has built a reputation from Laredo to Del Rio as a solo performer capable of carrying an evening, he’ll be backed Saturday by Larry Campos (drums), Buddy Laing (keyboard) and Javier Herrera (bass). Video of Castle performing here .
Opening the night is Madison Hailey, a rising local artist making waves on streaming platforms and building a regional following.
The event is the brainchild of Juan Mireles, who performs under the name La Historia de un Juan and Tani Canchola, owner of La Rambla.
“Del Rio is growing into a music mecca,” Mireles said. “We are proving that at this festival. Everything is from Del Rio — the music, the sound, the lights and all of the vendors.”
General admission tickets are $10 (plus a $1 fee) and include access to the festival area, food trucks, attractions and picnic-style open seating. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
VIP tables, which included reserved seating for eight near the stage and eight general admission tickets, sold out in record time. Mireles is offering a $2 discount to military, first responders, law enforcement and teachers with valid ID.
“The debt we owe these people who serve our community is impossible to repay. A discounted ticket is the least we can do — I just wish we could do more,” Mireles said.
Children under 6 are admitted free.
Mireles said he doesn’t intend this to be a one-night event.
“We’re going to sit down afterwards and look at the future,” he said. “But with the response we are receiving, the community wants more — and we’re going to provide it.”
Tickets are available at: lhjentertainment.ticketspice.com
