About the Show
Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month Socorro style, inspired by NM Tech's
Hispanic Studies professor Matt Johnson and his students, in collaboration with local
community members (Frances Cases, Val Anaya, Luz Barreras, Dana Chavez, Gloria Gutierrez-Anaya,
B.J. Lesperance and others), Socorro Schools and NMT's Society for Hispanic Engineering
Students (SHPE), there will be a variety of activities anchored by Socorro's favorite
Spanish variety bands The Murillos and Suavecito, and lots more! Activities include
an open mic (email pas@nmt.edu if you are interested in performing a couple Hispanic tradition songs, stories, theater,
comedy, etc.); a variety of Socorro & NM traditional Hispanic food and arts vendors;
demonstrations and talks on chile roasting, ristra making, NM folk music and and dance,
Matanza; speakers and storytellers; dancers and more!
The Bands
Suavecito is a variety six-piece band from Socorro, performing New Mexico Spanish, country,
oldies, funk, R & B, Top 40 and rock. They typically are the final band performing
for Socorro’s annual Fourth of July Celebration. Suavecito performs for weddings,
retirement parties, Christmas parties, graduations, church fiestas, local events for
the City of Albuquerque and Matanzas. They performed at the Route 66 Casino in Albuquerque
and the Sky City Casino in Acoma. One of their highest honors was playing for the
Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan at the re-dedication of the Catholic Church in Isleta.
The six-piece band consists of two guitar players, bass, keys, and drums. Members
of the band include two former members of La Raza Unida, whose songs still air on
89.1 KANW radio station in Albuquerque. Together they possess over a hundred years
of musical talent that keeps the dance floors packed. Suavecito has a CD titled “Que
Padre” and are working on another recording. They have sold over a thousand copies
and have had great feedback.
The Murillos are a perennial favorite local band, playing on numerous occasions around Socorro
County. Having played two concerts, without an audience, for NMT PAS during the pandemic,
then the 4th of July Celebration, finally a live event, they are now excited for another
event for a live audience! Varying combinations of the Murillo family have been playing together for years, said
Richard Murillo. “Any time anyone needs us, we play. We enjoy playing together as
a family.” This performance will be anchored by the father-daughter combo of Richard
and Tori plus a couple new members on drums and keyboards, to be announced. The group brings out a good crowd, always ready to dance to their music, a wide variety
of Spanish favorites, classic rock, country and new sounds.
The Schedule (mas o menos)
1:00-1:10 Intro – Vicky Gonzales
1:10-1:40 NM Folk Dance & Music – Ricardo Berry & Sheri Armijo
1:40-1:50 Chile Roasting Overview – Nadine Ulibarri Keller & Nick Keller
1:50-2:00 Music – Jose Martinez
2:00-2:10 Miner’s Statue
2:10-2:20 Ristra Making Overview – Jacquez Farms|
2:20-2:35 SHPE Latin Dance Workshop – Luis Contreras, Yazbeth Montoya
2:40-3:40 The Murillos
3:40-4:00 Socorro Hispanic WWII History & More – Sonny Baca
4:00-4:30 Las Comadres – Frances Cases & Friends
4:30-4:40 Ristra Making Overview – Rosales Farms
4:40-5:00 Ballet Folklorico Workshop
5:00-7:00 Suavecito
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