We arrived around 6:30 pm loaded down with lawn chairs and a picnic lunch. The Chamizal National Monument "Bowl" was already providing some shady spots for setting up.
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| Chamizal National Monument with Franklin Mountains in background |
It was still an hour until the music started, but people watching was at its best. Many families were grouped together with all descriptions of chairs, blankets, coolers, and food containers. The family positioned in front of us passed the time with a little friendly roughhousing. Grandpa was on the bottom.
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| Family entertainment |
Other attendees were couples, both young and not so young. This couple brought their little dog (forbidden by park rules!). I am an animal lover, so I wasn't going to squeal. The young man had been carrying the dog in a sling on his chest.
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| Another kind of family! |
Many people chose to sit close to the stage and dance floor.
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| Music Under the Start audience |
The band was "La Santa Cecilia" from Los Angeles, California.
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| La Santa Cecilia |
They were lively and versatile, playing a variety of instruments and presenting different music genres, from traditional jarochas from Veracruz, Mexico to rancheras to a tune written for Elvis Costello to an original song lamenting the plight of immigrants to the United States. The lead singer, Marisol, was fascinating to both watch and listen to. She was dressed in a blue jumper, with purple underskirts, striped tights and a pink belt.
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| Marisol and musicians |
Marisol's voice had an amazing range and a variety of tones to match the music type. She was beautifully bilingual in English and Spanish. She sang, she danced, she played the guitar, she told stories.
Music Under the Stars had all of the elements that make up great entertainment- cooler weather, interesting music, relaxing company, good food, and did I mention, no entrance fee?
Congratulations to El Paso for sponsoring this summer event!
It was an enjoyable evening!
ReplyDeleteThanks for great photos. Let's team up again!
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