Opinion: Jaripeo Sin Fronteras; CAN’T MISS EXPERIENCE
Opinion: Vanessa Khan
LOS ANGELES, CA -(RYM)- It has been a while since I have attended a concert that I did not want to just leave after filming the first 20 minutes, but Jaripeo Sin Fronteras made me want to stay all night long. When you first arrive to the show you are welcomed with a level of drama you would only expect from a telenovela, but on a much grander scale. (Be Aware of Strobe Lights in Production) As you await, what you see is a standard arena that is usually the home to all levels of national sports/shows, but has transported you to the fairgrounds of any big Baile Jaripeo but on a much grander scale.
True to the name, they pay homage to Mexico and the United States in every aspect of the show. From the first horses running across the arena with the flags waving to the homages paid by every performer, it is 1000% true to their message of Jaripeos Sin Fronteras. We see a spectacle that showcases that Orgullo Mexicano, but at the same time shows the love for any country. With their appreciation for both the U.S. and Mexico in the first few minutes, it is certain to make anyone who has come from Mexico to The U.S. remember why they made a choice for a brief moment while at the same time bringing that national love, pride, and passion that we have all come to love from Mexico.
As the show initiates, we see The Aguilar Family’s own Leonardo come racing through on his horse as the banda emerges with sound to fill the arena. Before the show, we had spoken to Leonardo about the production, and he was absolutely honest when saying if he could marry all of his fans he would. The amount of love and appreciation he shows in his performance could make anyone swoon, and propose to him on the spot.
A huge stand-out for me outside the music showcases had to be the Charro Performers. Tomas Garcilano, and his son, were coming out in their trajes as fans screamed in excitement. Watching their Charro Dress Act was something I have not seen in a long time, and I was absolutely here for it. My favorite had to be when we would leap in the air as he jumped through the rope atop of his horse. I could feel my heart skip a beat as I was terrified he would fall, but excited to see him pull it off.
Antonio Aguilar brings the nostalgia of the traditional ranchera that reminds me of when I was a child learning about rancheras for the very first time with my mom. His rendition of Un Puño De Tierra took me back to my days listening to this on Saturday mornings as we were doing chores and Saturday nights at the best festivals or the asadas with the family.
The blend of both the traditional and the modern shows just how far ranchera music has come, and the crowd was right there for the ride.
As the night continued, one performance that I was very excited to see was of a true princess of Mexico, Angela Aguilar. Being a fan of hers since her song alongside her father Pepe, “Sangre en Mi Cuerpo”, as well as so many more, I was very eager to see what she would bring in her performance. I only have 2 words… BLOWN AWAY!!!!!
Being as we are in October, and Dia de Los Muertos was coming out I was really hoping to hear her rendition of La Llorona, and WOW!! The entire performance transported me into the land of the dead, with a Catrina attached to the entire spectacle. I was in complete awe and did not want it to end.
While I was already so happy with her performance, it had to be her rendition of the classic Selena hit, Como la Flor , that was just groundbreaking. The originality in her syncopation showed her true style while still paying homage to the queen of Tejano. If I wasn't working, I would be looking for a dance partner!
To think after angela’s incredible performance there is no wat the night could get any better right?! Well then the light’s drop and the entire arena’s attention is brought to a shadow behind a white backdrop and bursting through comes a true icon, Pepe Aguilar himself. The moment his appearance hits the audience a roar unlike anything I had heard in the Crypto Arena took over, and he proved as he always does that Mariachi Music, Rancheras, Jinetes, Charros and The Orgullo de ser Mexicano, is not only surviving but thriving. The only thing that was bad about the performance was when it was over.
If anyone who is reading this takes one thing back from Jaripeos Sin Fronteras is that it is a CAN NOT MISS event. It shows that the classical and modern can coexist together, and truly thrive. However, above all, it shows that whatever side of the Frontera you are on as Pepe Said… Que VIVA MEXICO, Y QUE VIVA AMERICA TAMBIEN!