A big celebration of diversity in California!
Bésame Mucho Fest 2023 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA proved once again to be a vibrant celebration of Latin culture and music, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s festival scene. The event, named after the iconic song “Bésame Mucho,” was a sensory delight, weaving together a rich tapestry of Latin rhythms and traditions.
The second edition of the festival’s lineup was a testament to its commitment to diversity, featuring a stellar cast of Latin artists from an array of genres, including the infectious beats of cumbia, banda, and norteño, the soulful melodies of ranchero, and the energetic vibes of rock and pop. The seamless fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds created an immersive experience that resonated with attendees of all backgrounds.
Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, the festival venue became a melting pot of cultures, where attendees reveled in the joyous atmosphere, dancing to the rhythm of the music and savoring delicious Latin cuisine. The organizers’ meticulous attention to detail in curating the event ensured a seamless flow, with each performance building upon the infectious energy of the previous one.
Beyond the music, Bésame Mucho Fest served as a platform for artists to showcase their talents and share their unique cultural perspectives. The event fostered a sense of unity, bringing together a diverse audience to appreciate the richness of Latin heritage.
This second edition included 4 stages that gathered a total of 62 bands. The best bands that represent different genres.
-ROCKERO STAGE with La Ley, Caifanes, Maná, Cafe Tacvba, Natalia Lafourcade, Hombres G, Enanitos Verdes, Maldita Vecindad, Molotov and other great bands.
-LAS CLASICAS STAGE with norteño/cumbia bands such as Los Buckis, Alejandro Fernandez, Pepe Aguilar, Los Angeles Azules, Los Tucanes De Tijuana, Banda El Recodo, Ramón Ayala, among others.
-TE GUSTA EL POP? STAGE included bands such as Reik, Emmanuel, Gloria Trevi, Camila, Jesse Y Joy, Mar, Amanda Miguel, Magneto and others.
-BESO STAGE, which had a blend of styles with great performances of Bomba Estéreo, Aterciopelados, Plastilina Mosh, Grupo Cañaveral, La Arrolladora, Los Lobos, Caballo Dorado, Vilma Palma among others.
Starting our day with a music blend!
We arrived at Dodger’s Stadium early to start our adventure which began with the performances of Mexican Norteño band Los Invasores De Nuevo Leon who had everyone singing and dancing the second they put a foot on stage followed by the all-female pop-mariachi band Flor De Toloache.
From there we went to see the legendary Paquita La Del Barrio, who was joined on stage by a Mariachi who made her presentation a special one. The 74 yr old singer pleased the audience with some of her great songs “Rata De Dos Patas”, “Tres Veces Te Engañe”, “Cheque En Blanco” and “Invitame A Pecar.” From there we switch gears to see Spanish folk metal band Mago De Oz who included in their setlist classics such as “Fiesta Pagana”, “La Posada De Los Muertos” and of course their biggest hit “Molinos De Viento.”
Molotov brought unbridled energy and irreverence to the stage. The Mexican rock band’s explosive performance featured raw power, socially charged lyrics, and an unapologetic attitude. They didn’t want to waste any second so they threw out some of their best songs the second they put a foot on stage such as “Chinga Tu Madre”, “Rastaman-Dita”, “Frijolero” and “Puto.” Right after them, it was the turn of one of the most beloved Mexican rock bands, Maldita Vecindad y los Hijos del Quinto Patio guided by iconic singer Roco Pachucote who made sure the thousands of fans in front of the Rockeros Stage had a great time. Songs “Solín”, “Pachuco” and “Kumbala” were some of the songs the band played. Enanitos Verdes and Hombres G also brought great moments to the festival with performances full of incredible songs like “La Muralla Verde”, “La Muralla Verde”, “Lamento Boliviano” and Hombres G with “Voy A Pasármelo Bien”, “Te Quiero”, “Venezia” and “Devuélveme A Mi Chica.”
The night fell with fantastic acts!
It was dark at Dodgers Stadium when Natalia Lafourcade appeared on stage. The Mexican singer’s performance was a mesmerizing blend of soulful vocals, captivating stage presence, and a diverse musical repertoire. Her seamless transitions between genres, heartfelt storytelling, and intimate connection with the audience together with an incredible group of musicians created a truly enchanting experience. Lafourcade’s 10 songs setlist included “María La Curandera”, “El Lugar Correcto”, “Hasta La Raíz”, “Mi Tierra Veracruzana” and “Nunca Es Suficiente.”
Café Tacvba’s performance at Bésame Mucho Fest 2023 was an extraordinary sonic exploration that left an indelible mark on the audience.
The Mexican alternative rock pioneers seamlessly navigated through their diverse discography, fusing rock, electronic, and traditional Mexican elements. Their stage presence was magnetic, capturing the crowd with infectious energy.
Their 9-song setlist included “Las Flores”, “Como Te Extraño”, “Chica Banda”, “Eres” and “El Baile Y EL Salón.”
And the night kept getting better!
The night continued with some incredible bands and we were able to enjoy another Mexican rock band, Caifanes! Their performance was a captivating spectacle of musical mastery. The iconic band effortlessly transported the audience through a sonic journey, blending rock and Mexican folklore with infectious energy. Saul Hernandez’s powerful presence and the band’s tight instrumentation created an unforgettable experience, leaving fans immersed in the magic of their timeless sound.
Caifanes included some great songs in their list such as “Viento”, “Nubes”, “Los Dioses Ocultos”, “Afuera”, “La Célula Que Explota” and “Antes De Que Nos Olviden.”
Gloria Trevi delivered a brilliant spectacle of energy and emotion. Her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence captivated the audience, creating an unforgettable experience.
Her show seamlessly blended musical talent with theatrical flair, leaving fans fascinated and proving why Trevi remains a timeless icon in the Latin music scene. Her setlist included some of her classic songs such as “Pelo Suelto”, “Con Los Ojos Cerrados”, “El Recuento De Los Daños” and “Todos Me Miran.”
Alejandro Fernandez was an outstanding maestro enchanting the audience with his magnetic stage presence and unparalleled vocal artistry. His performance was a seamless fusion of passion and skill, navigating effortlessly between classic ranchera and contemporary hits. He was joined on stage by an incredible mariachi and a pair of backing singers who accompanied the iconic artist. The crowd was mesmerized by his emotive renditions and dynamic showmanship.
The concert which included songs “Sin Tantita Pena”, “Me Dediqué A Perderte”, “Eso Y Más” and “Canta Corazón” became a celebration of Mexican music, with Alex Fernandez as its charismatic ambassador.
Los Bukis’ was the band in charge of closing Las Clasicas Stage. Their show was a nostalgic and heartwarming journey through their iconic repertoire that lasted 2 hours full of incredible songs.
The legendary Mexican band, with Marco Antonio Solís at the helm, delivered a masterful set, evoking emotions with timeless ballads and lively cumbias. The crowd was enchanted by Solís’ soulful vocals and the band’s impeccable musicianship. We were able to enjoy part of the stage dancing with Mario Quintero, singer of Los Tucanes De Tijuana, and his wife Elsa Adriana Quintero. Songs such as “Morenita”, “Tú Carcel” and “Navidad Sin Ti” were just a few of the long list they played.
And for the last act of the night, we were able to enjoy at the Rockeros Stage the amazing performance of Chilean rock band La Ley!
The band was another one that took everyone on a mesmerizing journey through the realms of rock en español. With magnetic energy, the band delivered a set that seamlessly blended their iconic hits with new sounds.
Beto Cuevas’ charismatic presence ignited the Rockeros Stage at Bésame Mucho Fest, and the band’s tight instrumentation resonated with the audience. With songs such as “Día Cero”, “Mentira”, “Aquí” and “El Duelo”, the band guaranteed an awesome show! La Ley’s performance was a testament to their enduring musical legacy and ability to captivate diverse audiences.
In summary, Bésame Mucho Fest 2023 in Los Angeles emerged as a cultural gem, blending music, dance, and culinary delights to create an unforgettable celebration of Latin identity that resonated with the heart and soul of the city.
See you next year at Bésame Mucho Fest in Austin, TX!
