London.

Last Sunday Oct 30th, was a very special day for the Latin Artistic Community in London Ontario. Because a few kilometers from London, in a very rural and beautiful location, the first music video for Latin Artists from London was being recorded.

It’s Antonio Alas’ Mariachi Band, a staple in Latin Music in The Forest City. Founded over 30 years ago by Antonio Alas Serrano who is up until this day the lead and singer of the group, also plays the accordion, requinto, guitar, and is the composer of several of their songs.. The current members of the band are: Javier Palacios who is the second voice in the group, and plays the guitar and the guitarrón.Cristian Daboud, choir singer, plays guitar and guitarron and Iván Hidalgo, singer of choirs and plays guitar.

The day.

Since very early in the day people were in high spirits, the cold weather in the area only being calmed by hot coffee spiked with a little something extra and Pan Dulce, amongst other snacks that the organizers had onsite. Despite the cold weather, there was a warm community vibe between all who attended.

The Song to be recorded: Somos Hispanos. An original song written by Antonio Alas as an homage to all Latinxs that live in the North and the Nostalgia felt when we remember our countries of origin. In his song, He also mentions Pupusas, a traditional dish from his country and how he is proud of his roots (He is from Chalatenango, El Salvador). Then He mentions how pupusas are a symbol for all Salvadorans living outside of El Salvador and how they help us keep our identity and exalt our country.

The Project:

The entire event was organized by Dario Novoa, an artist of Salvadoran Roots and who is the lead of the Simple Reflections for Artists Collective. He was onsite from very early in the day making sure it was all set up and ready to go. By his side, his Partner Jennifer Martino who is always helping at such events. The Shooting of the video was done by Half and Half Studios, who guided the artists step by step to make sure they reach the vision they had in mind for this video.

This event was full of local artists : Karen Sandoval-Santana, Gianny Correa y Ana Luisa from Latin Power band, painter Jair Garay, musician Dau Oliveira,musician Freddy Almarza, Paris Qian ( DJ Purple Lotus), Anne Marie y Fernando from Latin Passion Dance Academy, all of them part of the Simple reflections Collective. Also there were many personal friends from artists who were invited to the event, keeping the atmosphere full of happiness, music and delicious food.