Mariachi Flor de Toloache at Celebrate Brooklyn

Mariachi Flor de Toloache, Mexican Institute of Sound
Latin Alternative Music Conference at Celebrate Brooklyn
July 12, 2013
Brooklyn, NY
Though a constant, heavy rain dampened the spirits of many music fans who skipped Latin Alternative Music Conference's showcase at Celebrate Brooklyn, those who were present at the half-filled venue witnessed quite a varied evening which began with a presentation of the New York-based, all-female Mariachi Flor de Toloache.

The nine-piece ensemble began by following tradition, playing down-tempo rancheras that included covers of songs like "Cielito Lindo." The group, however, used the opportunity to show it can expand on the style, performing tunes that had little to do with the genre's stereotype—some tunes had complex vocal arrangements and some even had lyrics in English. Some songs were played with the addition of the cajón and also the ukulele, which both enhanced the songs and gave them an intriguing, innovative sound.

They were followed by the Mexican Institute of Sound, the electronic project by DJ and producer Camilo Lara, who has come a long way since his 2006 appearance at the Central Park Summerstage. Back then, he basically rocked his laptop alongside DJ Pata Pata, and the results were less than satisfying. Fast forward to 2013, Lara was now backed by a live rhythm section of bass and drums. He had also found his voice as a performer, now putting on an electrifying show in which he sang, jumped around and enticed the crowd to dance, with the help of audiovisuals played on a large screen behind the stage.

Also on the bill for the evening were the electronic duo Bostich & Fussible. The LAMC closed the following day with a performance by Julieta Venegas at Central Park Summerstage that was nearly canceled due to weather issues—the NYPD actually evacuated the premises, and many left; but the few who patiently waited outside Rumsey Playfield got the performance for which they were waiting.