PAYING HOMAGE
Al Hurricane Jr. headlines NM Music Fan Fair, a tribute to his dad
At a young age, local musician Gonzalo was inspired by New Mexico music.
He was only 6 years old when he attended a fiesta with his grandma in his hometown of Las Vegas, N.M., and saw Al Hurricane perform for the first time. Fast forward years later, and Gonzalo would find himself playing guitar in Hurricane’s band for 10 years.
“The first time I ever saw Al Hurricane, I bought an album of his, and I was hooked ever since,” Gonzalo said. “This music had such an energy to it, and I just saw how people reacted to him and his music, and it kind of made me do what I’m doing now, just kind of experience that concert. Years later, I actually found the original album. You know, this was way past after I played in his band. He actually signed it for me. I have it in my recording studio now. That’s kind of, to me, full circle of how he’s influenced my career.”
Now Gonzalo is paying homage to the Godfather of New Mexico music and the legacy he created with the New Mexico Music Fan Fair on Sept. 29, at The Grandstand at The Downs Racetrack & Casino.
“It was such an honor to play, to be on stage next to him for that many years, growing up as a fan; I’m still a fan,” Gonzalo said. “In a lot of ways, I think this show is paying homage to what he’s done and the music career he’s created.”
The New Mexico Music Fan Fair will feature 25 bands and artists. It is presented in collaboration with The Downs Racetrack & Casino.
“Since Al Hurricane and Al Hurricane Jr. have kind of paved the way for our music scene, I just thought it would make total sense to have Al Hurricane Jr. as our main headliner,” Gonzalo said. “Another headliner on the bill is El Gringo. He’s actually like an international superstar in the Mexican regional genre.”
There will be two side stages rotating performers starting at noon. The main stage acts begin at 5 p.m. with the band Bandalegre. Each of the performers have their own style, with some influenced by Tex-Mex, others by a regional Mexican influence and a majority falling under the New Mexico music genre.
“I was that 6-year-old kid that was influenced by this kind of music, so the importance to me in this show is actually passing this music on to other generations, for sure,” Gonzalo said. “The big thing is a lot of these groups get to perform in nightclubs and casinos, and it’s pretty much 21 and over, but for a show like this, I think the importance of it I can’t stress enough is we get to perform for a younger generation and get them encouraged about the culture and the music.”