On Friday August 8th, 2014 at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) in Long Beach, Al Borde and Jack Daniels presented the Los Angeles is Eclectic Summer Concert. The event hosted the finale of Al Borde’s Battle of the Bands with Ashes in Violet vs. Alianza Rebelde, special band performance, RIFLE, and the highly anticipated reunion of iconic L.A. band Curanderos. This special nigh brought together guests paying tribute to the late lead singer, Mario Lopez Jr. who passed away two years ago at the age of 37.
From an early hour people lined up outside the entrance to the outdoor stage at the MOLAA, there was a feeling of celebration and remembrance for one of their fallen heroes. There were many veterans of the L.A. alternative music scene as well as many fans that had been around since the early days.
Ashes in Violet, an all girl group, opened the show with their pop rock sounds, and although they put on a strong performance, it was not enough to top the bombastic and energetic performance by Alianza Rebelde, who had a “take no prisoners attitude”. This was enough to won over the fans who at the end, voted them winners of the 2014 Battle of the Bands contest.
Another highlight was the performance of RIFLE, a relatively new band that is composed of former members of Curanderos and another pioneering band of the L.A. alternative scene, Maria Fatal. Without a doubt, they put on a riveting performance of straight ahead rock & roll that at the end, left the audience asking for more.
Although the audience was very motivated for the previous bands performance, they were a little timid and laid back as they reconnected with old friends and waited in line for drinks. Once Curanderos hit the stage, the story changed. The front of the stage quickly filled up and the atmosphere became electric.
The surviving members of Curanderos took the stage and from the very first chords, the audience connected with the band as they celebrated every move and sang along to the now historic songs of Curanderos.
As the guest singers took the stage, they all paid homage to their old friend Mario Lopez Jr, by giving passionate and heartfelt performances which caused many people to tear up. As emotional as a remembrance the event can be, it also brings people together and for many, this was a way to find some closure and to honor the memory of not only a beloved musician, but to many, a very good friend. We also know that to the music fans, he was a spiritual friend who will forever live in their memories and the music he left behind.
Photos: Angel Aguilar
