NorthernIllinois
TEJANO CULTURAL SOCIETY

Event Photos
©2001 NITCS

Milwaukee Mexican Fiesta 2002
August 23,24,25, 2002
Amigo, it's time to Fiesta!!!
Henry W. Maier Festival Park SummerFest Grounds

The Mexican Fiesta celebrated its 25th anniversary with outstanding performances from Grupo Vida, Shelly Lares, Third Generation, and La Ley Del Norte. Each of these performers had the crowd dancing to the dues of "Tejano Music" at its best.

The Mexican Fiesta was celebrated with Tejanos from Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Tejas, Illinois, Wisconsin, and other surrounding states. In attendance were many of the Northern Illinois Tejano Cultural Society members. The NITCS was in full force and were very noticeable by wearing their new logo shirts. Many people, Tejanos, were very interested in becoming members and were proud to see an organization keeping the Tejano Cultural alive and well.

Joel Castillo, Director of Communication of the NITCS, had a chance to talk to Art, lead singer, for Grupo Vida, Who knows maybe someday, Grupo Vida will be playing in Aurora, Illinois or surrounding city. Art shared some time with the audience my signing pictures, hats, and t-shirts. Art sat in the attendance with Northern Illinois Tejano Cultural Society members - Stella Gonzales, Mary Lou Gonzales, Amelia Gonzalez, Gloria Martinez, Gloria Castillo, and Joel Castillo.

Grupo Vida definitely stole the show this weekend at the Mexican Fiesta. Grupo Vida played all of their old hits while playing some of their new hits from their latest CD to come out in October. Art, Sonny and the band had the ladies trembling and the fellows dancing. While performing, they managed to "switch the channels" and play some dusties. Grupo Vida's performance was mesmerizing. They had thousand of fans following them from stage to stage from day to day. Every performance would outshine the previous performance and everyone left their performances looking forward to the next.

Shelly Lares is a Tejana Woman of her word. Shelly was to sign autographs after her Friday performance but because of altercations in the crowd, Shelly was force to go. But on Saturday night after her magnificent performance, Shelly took the time to time every person's T-Shirts, photos, hats, and other personal possessions. Finally the Tejano Men had someone they could scream and shout about. Shelly showed her talents and proved to the crowd why she is one of Tejano's best. Shellly, "we love you" is the constant that was heard throughout the crowd.

Performing at the Mexican Fiesta was Chicagoland's very own Tejano band - Third Generation. Third Generation is a new Tejano Band but full of talent. They had the crowd dancing in the aisles and dancing on their feet. Third Generation brought excitement to the crowd and kept the crowd on the edge. They managed to play not only the current hits but also some oldies.

La Ley Del Norte was the surprise band of the weekend at the Mexican Fiesta. They were simply the best. La Ley Del Norte had large crowds attending their performances. Tejanos were signing and dancing to every tune they performed. There is no doubt that those who were expecting La Ley Del Norte not to play Tejano music were wrong. Many of the oldies but goodies were played and the crowd followed Norte to whatever stage they performed.

Thanks to all for giving your hearts and souls on the stage. We, Tejanos, appreciate all of your work and dedications. On behalf of the Northern Illinois Tejano Cultural Society we want to send a shout out of love to all of the Tejano Performers - Grupo Vida, Shelly Lares, Third Generation, La Ley Del Norte, and all of the other performing artist.

 

Shelly Lares Showcases at the Milwaukee Mexican Fiesta of 2002.

 

La Ley Del Norte Invades the Mexican Fiesta of 2002

 

Three Generations at the Mexican Fiesta

 

"Grupo Vida at Milwaukee's Mexican Fiesta 2002".
More Grupo Vida!