Night of the Song

Casa de Cultura starts new talent night series
by Birdie Jaworski

Joshua Sandoval grins, microphone in small hand. The tiny Los Ninos Elementary School student struts around the stage as if owns it, as if he carries no fear. He sings a traditional Latino song with confidence, with an inner peace so fierce, so radiantly happy, his audience can't help but smile with him. Sandoval, along with other musically talented members of the Las Vegas community, will be on the bill for Casa de Cultura's first Noche de la Trova talent night, Thursday, February 21, at Joe's Ringside Bar on Grand Avenue.

"Little Joshua is the youngest person performing our first night," explains Casa de Cultura's Miguel Angel. "He has serious aspirations of becoming a performing artist. He has so much self-confidence! When we had our strategic planning meeting, he was our featured performer. He was one of the entertainers for our Day of the Dead exhibit. He's such a clean-cut good-looking little kid, so personable. We're trying to get him some coaching lessons and have him learn a musical instrument."

Casa de Cultura's mission is to foster trust and cohesion among Las Vegas' diverse ethnic and social groups by participating in cultural events, says Angel. The organization has provided free rebuilt computers to local families, sent medical students to study in Cuba, as well as sponsored community events such as Dia de los Muertos.

"Our question has been how do we use our culture to help organize community development? Our culture is disappearing," Angel laments. "We want to reinvent our culture. It's slowly eroded over the years. Events like this - dances and performances - were all over this town when I was a kid. There used to be three or four clubs with lots of great musicians. You could go out and hear blues, rock and rock, as well as traditional Latino music."

Noche de la Trova means "night of the song" in Spanish.  Casa de Cultura plans to hold talent nights the first and third Thursday of each month, some nights with a special theme such as Blues, Classical, Oldies, and Country and Western.

"The purpose of developing Noche de la Trova," explains Angel, "is to showcase the talent we have in Northern New Mexico as well as to provide a venue for aspiring performers to show their talent, to actually perform in front of a live audience and to develop their craft. We also hope to provide a cultural place where culture will be appreciated by the citizens." Angel paused, his passion giving a driving edge to his voice.  "There are 45 musical groups in Las Vegas alone - and that doesn't include Pecos, Mora and our surrounding communities. Where are they? They have no place to perform. We're giving them a place to entertain."

Thursday's event carries no cover charge and will feature Sandoval as well as accomplished singer Angie Fisher. Robertson High School music instructor Emily Maestas and her mother Rosie will sing along to their own expert accordion and guitar. Acts without background music will be accompanied by the newly formed "house band."

"The manager for Noche de la Trova is Alfonso Angel. He's the MC, and he's going to be part of the backup group for those that don't have accompanyment. We have a house band with four members. In addition to Alfonso, we have Rey Valdez, Danny Lucero, and Joe Lucero. An accordion, two guitars and a base. They'll help the other guys out and do a few songs themselves. It's going to be a sit-down show with foods and drinks. The only money we will make is if Joe's kicks in a few bucks from the bar, and we'll pass the hat for donations."

Joe's Ringside is offering safe rides home after the performance. All members of the Las Vegas and surrounding communities are invited to attend. Angel hopes that Noche de la Trova will become a regular stop on everyone's cultural calendar.

"Cultural expression is so important," Angel intones with pride. "It's Casa de Cultura's hope to build cultural awareness through song and artistry. We're trying to get the word out that we have this new series, and we hope the members of our community come on out to support their talented neighbors."

Noche de la Trova, 7 p.m. Thursday, February 21, continuing the first and third Thursday of each month. If you would like to perform, please call Miguel Angel at 454-6771 and leave your name and number.