FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Livermore Valley Arts
Contact: Ruth Egherman (925) 583-2306
A Sensational Cinco de Mayo Weekend at The Bankhead
Livermore, CA – (April 8, 2025) – Just in time to kick off Cinco De Mayo weekend, The Bankhead has a pair of very exciting upcoming performances that will take the Tri-Valley on a global journey from the comfort of Livermore. From a vibrant fusion of traditional Mexican folk and electronic dance beats with East LA’s acclaimed band Las Cafeteras on Friday, May 2, to Mariachi Herencia de México taking mariachi to whole new heights at their La Nueva Generación Tour on Saturday, May 3, the first weekend in May at The Bankhead will be welcomed in with some truly electrifying fiestas, taking audiences on moving and joyful celebrations of music and storytelling. The Bankhead is proud to bring these superbly talented groups right to the Tri-Valley; both of these performances will take place right at the beautiful Bankhead Theater in Downtown Livermore.
On tour after having just released their 3rd studio album in May 2024, A Night In Nepantla, East LA’s beloved and lauded band Las Cafeteras features a synth-laden fusion of traditional Mexican folk and electronic dance beats for fans of Latinx music to enjoy. Las Cafeteras enlists an array of celebrated collaborators and producers to masterfully share their stories of longing and love while putting the spotlight on pressing issues affecting their communities. A Night In Nepantla features Las Cafeteras alongside David Garza (Fiona Apple), Moises Baquero (Los Abandoned), Sergio Mendoza (Natalia LaFourcade, Calexico, Mexican Institute of Sound), and LA-based DJ/Producer David Cardena. Garnering global acclaim throughout their electrifying live performances across more than 40 states and accolades from NPR, Latino USA, GRAMMY.com, PBS, LA Times, and Democracy Now!, Las Cafeteras’ original members Hector Flores, Denise Carlos, and Jose Cano lock arms and hearts on A Night In Nepantla by inviting audiences to explore the concept of “Nepantla,” a Nahuatl word meaning “in-between” or “in the middle.” Las Cafeteras dives into themes of cultural hybridity and identity from the writings of Gloria Anzaldúa and her book, The Borderlands (LINK). “Nepantla” serves as a metaphor for the lived experiences of people who exist at the intersections of multiple, often conflicting cultural, ethnic, and social identities. Frontman and singer Hector Flores says, “As a band, we deeply resonate with the land of ‘Nepantla’ and feel that we live in the middle of multiple worlds, sounds, and identities, and this album brings people together to sonically join us in our joy, grief, struggle, and liberation in Nepantla.” Denise Carlos reflects, “We welcome our fans into a different world, and it’s a profound experience for all of us. We create a space where we can connect, share, and celebrate our common humanity.” Las Cafeteras’ lead single, “Cumbia de Mi Barrio,” is a hybrid of electro-pop, Afro-Colombian beats, and Peruvian Huayno-inspired Cumbia for an explosion of sounds, stories, and memories that defines the eclectic soundscapes of their new album. From hypnotic dance rhythms of “Caravana,” which explores the humanity of migration, to the soulful melodies of “Esta Noche,” an offering of peace amidst the chaos of social justice work, each track on A Night In Nepantla is authentically personal, with “Morena Morena” paying homage to Mother Earth with an electronic feel mixed with rich traditional sounds, while “Tía Lucha” blends protest chants and ecstatic electro-pop vibes. Rounding out the album are “Vivas Nos Queremos,” a poignant anthem addressing the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous, Latina, and Trans women, and the explosive final track, “Cumbia de Mi Barrio.” On this national tour in support of A Night in Nepantla, stopping by The Bankhead on May 2, Tri-Valley audiences will discover the boundaries of tradition and innovation, forging new connections in the spaces between worlds. Flores comments, “After 10 years, I think we finally made a beautiful album that aligns with our ethos, energy on stage, and what we want to see in the world…it took some time, but I think it was well worth the wait!” Experience the transformative power of music that bridges worlds and narratives.
¡Viva el mariachi! A new generation of mariachi taking the stage for an electrifying night of Mexican music, Mariachi Herencia de México will be giving an unforgettable performance on their La Nueva Generación Tour here in the Tri-Valley. A new generation takes mariachi to whole new heights, as Mariachi Herencia de México pushes the boundaries of traditional mariachi. Simultaneously honoring the past, celebrating the present, and creating the future of mariachi music, Mariachi Herencia de México presents an electrifying and unforgettable night of Mexican music and culture. The historic tradition of mariachi music has its roots of origin in cities such as Guadalajara and Mexico City. As the ever-evolving genre’s influence spread, it reached Chicago and birthed Mariachi Herencia de México. The 2x Latin GRAMMY®-nominated band has issued five chart-topping albums and has performed all across the North American continent paving the way for a new generation of mariachi musicians. Nuestra Herencia, their 2017 debut album, topped the Latin streaming charts and earned the band their first Latin GRAMMY®-nomination for Best Ranchero/Mariachi Album. 2018’s Herencia de la Tierra Mía and the two-volume series, Esencia and Esencia, Vol. 2, issued in 2019 and 2020 respectively, charted atop all major streaming platforms and industry charts. In 2022, Herederos appeared as the band were performing a wildly successful North American tour. Herederos received a 2023 Latin GRAMMY® nomination for Best Ranchero/Mariachi Album. The young, virtuosic band is composed of 14 musicians, ages 18-32, representing a new bicultural generation in the U.S. As The Michigan Daily noted, “These […] notes epitomized the purpose of Mariachi Herencia – to bring our past and the pride of Mexico to new spaces, new generations, and new heights.” Don’t miss this incredible performance at The Bankhead on May 3.
Tickets for shows in the 2024-2025 Bankhead Presents season are available online, by calling 925-373-6800, or at the box office windows. For a complete list of events, visit LivermoreArts.org.
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Livermore Valley Arts is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit offering wide-ranging programs that provide access to the arts for the Tri-Valley community and beyond. The Bankhead Theater and Bothwell Arts Center are home to eight resident performing arts companies, over 40 studio artists, and cultural arts instructors. LivermoreArts.org
Show: Las Cafeteras
Date/Time: Friday, May 2, 2025, at 8:00pm
Tickets: $25—$65 ($25 student/military personnel) / Groups of 10 or more save 20%
Show: Mariachi Herencia de México
Date/Time: Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 8:00pm
Tickets: $25—$90 ($25 student/military personnel) / Groups of 10 or more save 20%
Dates, times, and ticket prices for other events available at www.LivermoreArts.org
