6:00 pm:
Doors & Cafe Open
Cinco de Mayo at De La Luz Soundstage unfolds as a vibrant brass celebration, where the BOMBYX Brass Collective paints with bold tones and rich textures across a program rooted in Mexican musical heritage. Featuring works by Mexican composers Nubia Jaime Donjuan and Omar Arellano Osorio alongside Aaron Copland’s iconic El Salón México, the evening blends tradition, storytelling, and contemporary artistry. Additional pop/rock selections beyond the theme, by Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire, Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, James Brown, and more round out the program, adding contrast and surprise, like unexpected spices in a well-crafted dish.
At the heart of the performance is Sahuaro, from Donjuan’s Little Mexican Suite, a rhythmic and atmospheric homage to the towering cactus landscapes of northern Mexico. Osorio’s Yú-Kú – A Mexican Waltz, written for BOMBYX Brass, draws listeners into the mountainous regions of Oaxaca, echoing the sound of village wind bands and the enduring relationship between land and community. Together, these works offer a deeply rooted and evocative musical journey shaped by place, memory, and cultural identity.
Beyond the stage, the celebration continues with a themed menu from De La Luz’s in-house café, with dishes inspired by traditional Mexican recipes. Paired with the electrifying sweep of Copland’s El Salón México—a lively mosaic of folk melodies and dance hall energy—the evening becomes a full sensory experience. Music, food, and atmosphere come together in one unforgettable night along the canal, where every note and every bite tells a story.
