An eruption of culture: 'The Latin Explosion Music Festival & Car Show' comes to Albuquerque

Years ago, ToryHarrelson was producing music in California. As a Latino, he wanted to make space for Latino artists and delved into a genre of music called Chicano rap.

Harrelson went on to produce popular Chicano rap songs like “Lean like a Cholo,” “Summer Nights” and more while working with notable Latino artists like Lil Rob and Baby Bash. Harrelson had produced Chicano rap for years when he noticed things had changed.

An eruption of culture: 'The Latin Explosion Music Festival & Car Show' comes to Albuquerque

“I noticed the genre was fizzling out and I wanted to bring it back,” he said. “We put on a few small festivals around the country, but I wanted to expand and bring the genre and culture back.”

Harrelson decided he would do another festival called “The Latin Explosion Music Festival & Car Show” and decided Albuquerque would be the perfect place for the festival to debut. The event happens from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at Balloon Fiesta Park, 5500 Balloon Fiesta Parkway NE.

“As I was looking at locations for the festival, I noticed that Albuquerque has a great Chicano culture and a really high percentage of Latino people,” Harrelson said. “I knew it would be a great place to host an all around Latin experience.”

Harrelson also said he knew Albuquerque would be the perfect location when he found out he would be able to host the festival at the Balloon Fiesta Park.

“I checked several different places but the Balloon Fiesta Park was perfect,” he said. “It’s beautiful, has a lot of great space, and it’s easy work with staff.”

The festival is intended to be a full immersive cultural experience with music, food and entertainment all focused on various Latin cultures. Harrelson felt the festival was important because he said he wanted to connect younger generations back to their roots in a fun and cool way.

“Kids are exposed to what popular people talk about but I noticed there is a generational gap,” he said. “How do you get kids excited about cool stuff, even when it’s not popular or cool to them? I think the festival is a way to provide kids exposure in a cool way and gives them a way to connect to their families.”

Harrelson decided to blend the old with the new, bringing in popular Latino artists that parents will fondly remember while also giving new, young talent the opportunity to shine with a younger audience.

Artists like Sly Slick and Wicked, NB Ridaz, Angel from Cover Girls and local artist Jerry Dean are just some of the many artists who will perform at the festival.

“We’ve got freestylers, classic dad rap, mariachis for the abuelitas, R&B and newer artists for the kids, too,” Harrelson said. “I also wanted to highlight some bigger local artists in town so they can connect with their community.”

Along with musical performances, artists will be at the festival doing live art demonstrations with showings of graffiti art and paintings. Local dancers will perform ballet folklórico to immerse visitors in the Latin experience.

Local vendors will also make an appearance at the festival including food from El Taco Stop, Mighty Mike’s Meats and Poki Taco. Other food vendors will be on site making classic Mexican dishes like tortas and empanadas. Retail vendors will also be at the park, selling clothing, earrings, customized license plates, lowrider bike parts and more.

One of the events Harrelson is most excited for is the car show, which will feature over 100 different lowrider motorcycles and cars.

“It’s a rite of passage as a Chicano lowrider to see a car show, and Albuquerque is one of the biggest places for lowriders,” Harrelson said. “It’s like art. People create art with their vehicles and can pass it down from generation to generation. I think the kids will have their minds blown by the lowriders and cycles.”

For younger children, there will be a fun zone area for activities like face painting and a bounce house. A variety of games will also be available for children.

Harrelson hopes to continue the festival on an annual basis and expand the festival more and more, and he feels Albuquerque is the perfect place for it.

“We would love to have people from all genres and cultures experience this festival,” he said. “It’s going to be a fun day and people will have a blast. It will be an all-day festival with a lot to do, so I hope people come out and enjoy it.”