The Show Must Go On: Esperanza Center to Live Stream 'Noche Azul' Concert
March 21, 2020 - San Antonio
Canciónes from the heart. Tonight, the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center will present Noche Azul, a concert featuring Mexican singer Azul Barrientos (pictured). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the long-running series will be presented via the Facebook Live platform, which, for many stage performers, may soon become the new normal. Photo courtesy: Azul Barrientos.
By Jade Esteban Estrada - Arts Writer, San Antonio Sentinel
Without question, in a relatively small window of time, the coronavirus crisis has dramatically changed the world of show business. Theatres around the globe have temporarily shuttered their doors in the hope that, if governments are able to effectively contain the virus, circumstances may soon return to normal. But Graciela Sanchez, the executive director of the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, has never been one to wait around for change. Tonight, in an effort to bring music lovers a joyful musical experience throughout these the uncertain times, the Esperanza will present Noche Azul, a Facebook Live concert featuring singer Azul Barrientos.
A continuation of their monthly performance series, this intimate one-hour concert of quarantunes will begin at 8 p.m. and will feature a few supporting musicians.
Over the years, the Esperanza has presented some of the continent’s most celebrated Latinx artists (Las Tesoros de San Antonio, Marga Gomez, Erica Andrews), including Barrientos herself, who has been their artist-in-residence since 2007. Throughout her colorful career, the Mexican songstress has used her wide-ranging music to shed light on various social justice issues. For example, she has dedicated songs to the women of the Mexican Revolution and has also brought further awareness to the story of the 43 male student teachers from Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers’ College who disappeared in Iguala, Mexico in 2014.
Last October, Barrientos delivered a rich, powerhouse performance at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, when Sanchez received a Distinction in the Arts Award from the San Antonio Arts Commission.
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Fans can expect to hear traditional Mexican songs that she feels highlight the cultural influences and interconnections between Latin America, Spain and Mexico, as well as the boleros, rancheras, folk music, jazz, and even electronic music, for which she is known. Although this new era of social distancing is uncharted territory, Barrientos’ showmanship, class and brow-raising vocal ability are sure to guarantee an enjoyable evening from the comfort of your own home.
After all, the show must go on.
Listeners may stream the interactive concert on Barrientos’ Facebook page.
Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer at the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers arts and entertainment. He can be reached at jade@sasentinel.com.