Margaritas & Mariachi: Mexican Heritage Celebration
09.15.2023 - It was indeed a rare cross-cultural gathering at the Harvester Performance & Event Center, located in Historic Downtown Smithville, TN, on this edition of Finally Fridays, which coincides with many Central American countries' Celebration on September 15th, and Mexico’s Independence Day on September 16th. The “Margaritas & Mariachi” themed event recognized Mexico’s heritage and joined in what turned out to be a lot like a fiesta in our sleepy little lake town.
Axel Rico is a multi-multi-talented musician, composer, singer, and aficionado of a wide variance of music from Bob Wills to his own cerebral compositions - Axel has appeared before at the Burlap Room, so we knew he was going to be able to present the mix of live music we were looking for to set the Mexican/American mood of the evening. Axel was accompanied by the “lovely and talented” Lucy Becker, playing a genre-leaping assortment of fiddle/violin accompaniment and harmony vocals to Axel’s performance of an equally wide spectrum of music from Texas swing to classic jazz tunes he added a bit of “Latino Spice” to.
DJ Rosendo and his massive DJ machines and light show filled in the period between opening and headlining acts, keeping the “Amigo/Gringo” mix of music that permeated the early evening in focus…DJ Rosendo is ”too cool”- his excellent choice of music and his tastefulness of cranking out “just the right volume” to move your body and soul, but not make your have to shout at folks…a rare gift, indeed! (DJ Rosendo performed a final dance set to top off the evening following the Mariachi Olimpico group’s rousing performance).
And here’s a true “backstage” story that I found amusing (and fun!). Bert Driver and I were discussing exactly how we were going to introduce Mariachi Olimpico, the headliner act for the evening…and I admit, I was a tad bit apprehensive, since in all my years of experience, I had never really been involved with Mariachi performers, so I wasn’t sure what to do….well, our discussion came to an abrupt halt as Axel Rico (the opening act) suddenly threw open the alley entrance door to the main room, (which was now almost totally full of patrons), and Mariachi Olimpico literally “burst” into the Harvester Center, playing full blast on their traditional acoustic instruments (small flamenco guitar, big acoustic bass, a trumpet and two violins)...I can honestly say that their dramatic entrance “shocked” me (in a good way), and INSTANTLY put the entire crowd into an enhanced festive mode, whooping, hollering, etc...no introduction necessary!
We’ve had some incredibly talented musicians on our stages, but I was totally impressed with this group’s performance, their authentic stage clothes, their musical talent, (a couple of GREAT singers), their professional approach – AND, their individual stage demeanor, every single member was “cool” in his own manner…Rocky Top and Folsom Prison Blues with a Mariachi feel drew the biggest response for those in attendance...and the “Margaritaville” selection was a winner, as well (RIP Jimmy).
Tio’s Taco Truck food is always consistently good, but Tio and fam outdid themselves with the authentic Mexican food including real deal birria tacos and a shrimp cocktail concoction that lit up everyone's taste buds. The lovely bar staff created micheladas on the newly fashionable mobile bar in the International Hall for the first time during an event at the Harvester. AND craft cocktail margaritas were on point, so kudos for such a wonderful bar staff.
As usual, the Harvester Security and Service Staff performed up to their standard level of excellence…in closing, at the risk of being corny, I’d like to extend my personal thank you to Bert Driver for coming up with the concept of having an event that, in these cray-cray times we live in, was an “inclusive” event that brought people of different cultures together, instead of being a divisive force among people.
¡Viva México! God Bless America!
Up next up is Jazz Night at the Harvester and the Art Walk on West Walnut on Friday, 9/29, and back to the Burlap Room on Saturday, 10/7, for our final outdoor event of 2023 at our 4th Annual Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead with Captain Midnight Band and costume contest for humans, and (new this year) pets, too! All the details for upcoming events at burlaproom.eventbrite.com. Stay up-to-date with all the events in the Bert Driver Network (Nursery, Burlap Room, and the Harvester) by signing up for our Burlapper Newsletter - released every other Tuesday morning straight to your inbox!
And remember that you too can rent The Harvester year round…weddings, retirement parties, corporate retreats, quinceanera, company christmas parties, most anything you can dream up: contact us for more information at (931) 235-0531.
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