Mexican Sounds at the Crestone Music Festival

This weekend we went to the annual Crestone Music Festival. It's a delightful two-day event, with many local and regional groups. I always feel that it captures the essence of our community. This year I was struck with how many of the pre-teen kids I can remember as toddlers.

One of the groups yesterday was the Tzotzollin Aztec Dance Troupe from Mexico City. We have seen them perform here in Crestone before, as they have friends here.

As I watched them, I felt more connected with Mexico than I have lately, as I've been caught up in all there is to do here.

As the afternoon wore on, we listened to Indian Nickel (a ranchero band from the San Luis Valley where we live), Onda (a hot salsa jazz ensemble from Boulder), and others. I was struck by how much the music had Mexican roots. No photos --we were both too busy dancing and visiting with friends to remember to take any.

I have one snapshot in my memory. Wish I could have photographed it at the time! It was of dancing to a lively Latino number played by Onda, dancing right in front of the stage, surrounded by other happy dancers (many of whom I know). The late afternoon sun, low in the sky, was illuminating wildly flowing hair, arms flung up, and the multi-colored clothing and skin tones of the dancers. What no snapshot could show was the sense of joy and oneness I felt in that moment.