Chicano Fest 3 is almost here. This is the wake up call to get up and do it all. Cruisin The Barrio and Congress of Communities invites you down for a wonderful time.
Welcome back to the ROX-TV website. As always, we thank the returning readers and welcome any first timers. It’s a cool day outside and the temperature is hovering at 66 degrees. There’s a little overcast and some slight breeze. Perhaps even a misting or two before this day is over in the Big Mitten. Here at ROX-TV, we try to keep the readers up to date on events we think they might dig. Well, if you’ve been following us so far, then you will know that the next event I have my eye on is the Chicano Fest 3, which is happening in Southwest Detroit. Home to one of the largest populations of Chicanos and Chicanas in the region, this neighborhood festival of culture is right on time. Historically the Chicano/Chicana population has been well represented in Detroit and in particular…one area that is simply known as “Southwest“. This area breathes and speaks the native tongue, serves up wonderful ethnic food and drinks in the entertainment district and is simply something that has to be experienced in the real world. From the wonderful high rising churches in the neighborhood, to the green space of Clark Park, this area has always been a vital part of the fabric of Detroit. At one time, Southwest Detroit was the only section of the city that was not only surviving but actually thriving, thanks in large part to the waves of brothers and sisters from down under Texas. Although I’m not a Chicano…I like to think of myself as an honorary Irish one anyway. I often times think about how history is so strange when I’m smoking enlightenment. It would seem odd to a third party observer who lived…let’s say longer than a person is supposed to (for an example only). Like say a cat could live for a few thousand years. I don’t know why exactly…since this is a dream anyway…let’s say that he or she has some good DNA left over from the last of the old Gods…and so he or she could watch the world. I can only assume in my dream that it would be mostly an academic affair, although I can’t help but wonder if there was a small fraction in there for pure entertainment. Why not? Anything is possible when there is time and the chance.
So I was thinking…I’m pretty sure that some places in our country were actually part of the country of Mexico at one time. I’m not trying to get into a big thing or debate who said what. That’s just a fact. So, for me…it would be crazy as one of those long-time cats to observe the fate of the people of Mexico. Who at one time lived and owned the land in what is present day United States. To think that people from Mexico would have to actually sneak into a place they used to call theirs…that’s really fucked up. (Author’s Note: What is now termed as the Mexican Cession, when the United States took control of what once was Mexican land. Now just like in the streets, the taking of something was usually the final result of conflict. And the land is not a small amount or the size of a European country…this was some serious gear. The land mass was estimated to be around 530,000 SQUARE MILES. While adding to America’s size, it reduced Mexico by some 55%).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Guadalupe_Hidalgo
That is some serious area and is the third largest land grab in United States History. The only other similar events in size and scale were the Louisiana Purchase from France and of course the Alaskan purchase from Russia. When I hear angry immigration debate, which is usually completely devoid of the humanity element anyway…like the human side of the business is deduced to a fucking word: immigrant. I think that is the travesty of some words…they can rob the love that one human could have from another…by word magic. How could anyone be mad at someone who just wants to go home? Because the land is the home. I think that is universally correct for all humans on Earth. Where you live, where you raise your family, where you make this game of life work…that is home. I know some people run away from home…but almost everyone comes back. There is nowhere else to really go, is there? I don’t like to slip into arena’s that are not mine or speak on behalf of people that can speak for themselves. I’m just offering up some commentary, while you’re taking a break from the outside world. It’s safe in here. We are the radical cats with the weird music. Welcome. That goes for the drifters out there as well.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cesar_Chavez
Ok, so getting back to the rest of the article, I was just getting ready to say that they just released the flyer for Chicano Fest 2023 and it looks pretty clean.. I don’t know if any physical copies got printed up or whatever but this is the kind of poster I would like to have. As a collector, these types of flyers and posters are always on my mind. If they didn’t print up any, they should have. Maybe I will reach out to the Chicano Fest founders and my brothers, Rudy and Carlito Hill. Maybe we can make that happen at Chicano Fest 4, which most certainly will be going down next year. The thing about good causes is that once they get going…the people know what to do. They respond like they always have and a good time ensues. I know from previous years, it’s a pretty smoke friendly situation…and any drinks should probably be consumed in some red solos. I remember picking up some righteous Southwest Detroit smoke at the Squeeze Station (location that year) in 2021. That was the year that HEXXX (Chapter 17’s LA Connect) performed. It’s so crazy to think back to that night, because the intimate setting of the Chicano Fest made his performance so fucking cool. It’s not like you’re seeing someone at Pine Knob, where a MFER is stuck up in the dirt section, dreading the coming rains, and baking in the sun. It ain’t like sitting in the Filmore (RIP State Theatre) and watching someone from the bar. It’s music that is being made for the street, but with the important distinction of being performed in the streets as well. Technically the street is symbolic, so I don’t mind the usage there. But in all actuality, Chicano Fest has that family reunion feel, mixed in with the block party atmosphere, and given a shot of Tequila or a bottle of Modelo for good measure.
It’s an experience that cannot be captured in an article, a song, or a poem. Chicano Fest 3 is something that is only properly felt in the flesh. The smells of the traditional food filling the air, a puff of reefer, and the streetlights are coming on. The hum of the electric lights and the passing traffic is intoxicating. In every direction, there is something to look at, a person to talk to, a bounce house to be played in, a street vendor beef taco to be eaten, Chicano Culture to be shared with all who are willing, and the best part…it’s free. It’s ok to bring the family or come alone, there is something for everyone. This is a celebration man, so that’s what we will be doing. I don’t drink anymore…well maybe I crash the little red wagon off a cliff every couple of years. But I think I might pack my drinking shoes just in case. Some scenes are so cool and surreal, that I don’t mind partaking.
“A smart person knows when to say no, a wise person knows when to say yes”
So there you have it. The details, the flyer, the reasons why, and so on. The only reason this mission could be a failure is if you don’t get out of the house this weekend and see what the people are doing. Don’t do it for me, don’t do it for DJ Carlito, don’t do it for DJ Santana, or even the Rude Boy. No, this one has to be done for yourself. So do it and we will see you in Southwest Detroit on September 9th, 2023. The party starts at noon and runs till 7pm. Be there or be square.
Signing Off,
Mike Shepard
ROX-TV
photo credit: Macey (Rude Boy and HEXXX) circa 2021.
