From coast to coast, Latin music festivals have mushroomed across the country with assorted musical lineups ranging from traditional sambas and tangos to psychedelic boleros and dream pop.
Close to home, the fifth annual St. Albert Latin Festival which takes place Saturday (Aug. 16) has developed a loyal fan base. While not the largest in western Canada, it doubles down on its reputation as a Latin taste maker spotlighting an array of artists such as Cristian De La Luna, Alexa Leon, Mariachi Borealis, Many Valencia, David Jay and numerous Latin dance groups.
“In terms of the number of acts, we have the biggest lineup in Alberta," said Jorge Vargas, festival founder and director. "Even Calgary where they bring in international singers don’t have the variety we have. We can’t afford international artists yet, but we’re incredibly proud of our home production,”
Set in the tree-lined Lions Park, the festival will showcase two rotating stages, food trucks, food vendors, a mini-market as well as beer gardens under the Lions Park shelter.
After a brief opening introduction, Ballet Mexico Lindo dancers step into the spotlight to perform a few traditional dances before joining forces with the six-piece Mariachi Borealis band.
“This is a very rare show that people in Alberta can see. You travel to Mexico and you see mariachi bands and dancers together on every street corner. But here in Canada, you don’t see it because dancers usually dance to recorded music. But this live performance will be gorgeous,” Vargas said.
Following is the True North Community Jazz Ensemble, a 12-piece from Westlock that swings with jazz, flamenco and pop flavours.
Dance group Ritmos de Perú, garbed in folkloric attire, brings to the table what Vargas describes as “music from the Andes.” Using panpipes and flutes, musicians mimic the haunting winds that blow through the mountains.
Proyecto ENVIVO is a new group at the festival that has evolved into a prominent platform that champions social causes.
“They sing ballads with a mix of percussion, guitar, and wind instruments," said Vargas. "The music has folkloric roots and the main component is social and political message like Joan Baez.”
The Venezuelan Dance YEG, who were a hit in 2024 with its mix of adult and children dancers, returns for two colourful sets.
Newen, who first played the festival last year, returns with their version of blended blues and rock while Mexico’s David Jay, the Spaniard is hoping to wow the crowds once more.
“David is the most incredible and innovative musician in Alberta," said Vargas. "He is constantly working on new stuff. He spent two months in Spain polishing his flamenco. He’s a one-man event. If you haven’t seen or heard him, check out his YouTube videos. You will be enchanted.”
Hi Bass, a six-piece offshoot of the 70s legendary Chilean band Los Jaivas that mixed progressive rock with traditional music, also blends synthesizers and electronic sounds with music of the Andes.
“This is multi-generational family band. We invited them because we want to encourage Latino families to come out of their basement and showcase what they can do,” Vargas said.
The Victor Jara Chilean Folk Dancers are named after Victor Jara, a 70s singer who sang politically charged songs and was executed by the ruling Junta.
“They dance very traditional folk dances from Chile. They’ve been together for decades. At least four generations of Chileans have come to Alberta since the 70s.”
St. Albert’s own Alexa León will perform her brand of music – a combination of Mexican, salsa and pop-style ballads that create a romantic edge.
At 6 p.m. the charismatic and energetic Orlando Martinez will step up to the microphone and call everyone to dance.
“Last year he had literally the whole park dancing and there were more than 400 people of all ages – little boys and girls up to seniors,” said Vargas.
Following Martinez is the illustrious Many Valenzia & Stereo Latin for a breath-taking half hour of driving rhythms.
Zoey Cubias, a new resident from the Dominican Republic, will be showcasing her vocal chops while the B. B. Band of young adult performers deliver Brazilian blues.
“B. B. Band’s music is a combination of Brazilian blues and pop," Vargas said. "It’s quite danceable but not too crazy.”
St. Albert’s Cristian De La Luna and his band are singing a variety of his songs and offering an introduction to his new video that talks about the singer’s early entry into songwriting.”
Spicy Boots, a duet composed of Gaby Valadez and Mar Luna, perform two styles of music: Norteño which is often associated with Mexican cartels in Tijuana, and Ranchero, a type favoured by vaqueros (cowboys) in northern Mexico.
“It’s very danceable, very pop oriented,” said Vargas.
Closing the evening is Rumba Caliente with the booty-shaking rhythms of salsa, cumbia, mambo and bachata.
“I’m so proud of being a Canadian and that’s why we are providing a positive message of being diverse and inclusive with this festival," said Vargas. "We want to showcase the broad Latin culture – the food, the music, the dance – in a positive way.”
The festival is free. Bring camping chairs, blankets and sunscreen.
Latin Fest Schedule
12:10 p.m. Ballet Mexico Lindo
12:25 Mariachi Borealis
12:50 Ballet Mexico Lindo
1:10 True North Community Jazz Ensemble Westlock
1:45 Ritmos del Perú
2:05 Proyecto ENVIVO
2:35 Venezuelan Dance YEG
2:55 Newen
3:25 Venezuelan Dance YEG
3:45 David Jay – The Spaniard
4:15 Hi Bass
5:05 Victor Jara Chilean Follk Dancers
5:20 Alexa Leon
6:00 Orlando Martinez
6:30 Manny Valencia & Stereo Latina
7:15 Zoey Cubias
7:45 B. B. Band
8:25 Cristian De La Luna Group
9:00 Spicy Boots
9:30 Rumba Caliente
