The Music Mecca that is La Cruz.
I knew we were coming back to La Cruz (after a nine-month sabbatical here) when my hubby, Chris, said “For pretty much my entire life I have left my musical aspirations on the back burner. We found La Cruz for a reason. It’s clearly a mecca for those who enjoy making and appreciating live music. I want to live in La Cruz!”
How does one argue with that!?
Given I love the sunshine and the gracious people we met here, I agreed! That was 2009 and spending time in our town recently reminded me of the gem of a new home we found!!
I’m not sure if it’s the variety or the spontaneity that excite me the most. Various genres from flamenco to banda, to mariachi, to rock and roll, to jazz and world music are playing somewhere in town on any given night. Likely in a bar or restaurant yet even when going for a stroll we enjoy the rhythms of a jam put on by musicians, a private party where they’ve hired a mariachi band, someone practicing, etc. Even by day, I enjoy folks singing or whistling as they work.
Many Saturday evenings have locals dancing in the town square. If that’s not your style, set forth in any direction and you’ll hear anything from church bells and choirs to old time rock and roll, flamenco, tex-mex, folk or country music or go join an open-mic night where you’ll hear a musical fusion of all ages, nations, and style.
Trying to explain how cool our ‘music mecca’ town of La Cruz is, well… its impossible. This is only a snippet of what we get to enjoy but let’s just say we are equal opportunity enthusiasts. Recently we enjoyed a group made up of; two Mexican nationals; guys and gals; two Canadians; two Americans; youngest, I believe, is 24; Oldest is 84, and just for flavor includes a squeezebox and a washboard! Just a regular night in La Cruz AND the crowd is just as diverse! Love it; check out the video here;
What brought locals here:
“I’ve been really fortunate, over the last few years, to get to know quite a few musicians mostly, of course, in Banderas Bay. When I say I am fortunate I want you to know that the main thing is that each of them, while perhaps being a vocalist as well, has studied long and hard to master their instruments. Me, I’m just a singer. And I sometimes get to join them, on the stage. But, what is really wonderful, what is really beautiful, is that not only do I get to observe their music, first hand, but I also get to listen to them describe their opinions of music. Sometimes they actually share their feelings. It doesn’t get any better than that.” Allen Hynek, owner/full-time resident
“The music scene in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is not a big secret but a lot of folks still don’t seem to know it; those who come to La Cruz sure do. From a local group featuring La Cruz-grown talent whose Flamenco music has wowed the entire Vallarta area to really good Rock ‘n Roll and everything in between. You will see pretty much every kind of instrument played; from a washboard and a squeezebox on up. We enjoy world famous artists; wonderful guitarists and drummers make up local bands while we also hear incredible saxophones and fiddles by world-renowned musicians who often play for the simple joy.
Oh, and the voices; we also enjoy great singers too. Whether the functions are in local bars and restaurants or open air, including the Marina malecon, you can take in most of it – for free – unless you include the cost of your beverage. Additionally, there are pay-for concerts; generally to packed-houses.
“Most of those who experience La Cruz find it hard to stay away; they love to come back. I definitely do; I miss it when I am away. La Cruz is definitely a ‘music town’. Gilles Racine, La Cruz owner/resident”
La Cruz’er Mike Curlette plays with The Turn and The New Coyotes where musicians from Mexico, Canada, and the USA play. Both bands play a mixture of new and old; Spanish and English; playing rock and roll in both languages.
The Rhythm Roosters another fabulous rock and roll band play all the good dance music from the 50’s and 60’s plus R&B and Blues and featuring Scott Webb on saxophone.
The Breeze consists of four musicians; Dave on rhythm guitar and vocals; Ajim on lead guitar and vocals; Allesandra on drums and vocals; Bill on Bass. They are a diverse band and play a mix of Rock and Roll, Rhythm and Blues, Country swing, Rock-a-Billy and a Beatles tune. The band loves playing together and their energy infects the crowd making it nearly impossible to not get up and dance.
Tatewari; our hometown flamenco band has had such success that we don’t hear them locally as much as we used to! Read about how they got their start and what keeps these guys going here.
Funkswagen banda is a dancing band; so much energy; so much fun!
Geo‘s world music always impresses!! Read more about them and Geo here.
Latcho and Andrea’s gipsy flamenco music gets the crowd energized and dancing every time! Read about what brought these two from Germany to our little town here.
If you’re just visiting, may I suggest:
Arrive to La Cruz in the afternoon, relax at one of the many cafés, health food and smoothie bars, little restaurants, or larger restaurants and of course, plan for an evening of music! The vibe is alive!!!
Beautiful town ,
Beautifully written,
Beautiful music
Thank you, Gladys. I LOVE La Cruz!