Chican-izmos

Growing up Chicano, a product of both Mexican and American cultures, has given me a unique vantage on life and I love to express that through my writings, poetry, photography and art. I discovered the power of writing in High School and haven't stopped since. I have published a book, "Songs From the Barrio: A Coming of Age in Modesto, Ca.", a collection of poems and stories about my growing up in a small, Mexican Barrio in Modesto during the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, available at amazon.com.

Monday, April 7, 2014

On the Mexican Tradition of Playing Music for the Dead

For years, my compadres, and other musicians and I have played dozens of masses, rosaries and funerals for deceased relatives, friends, and total strangers. This beautifully made video brought back those memories and made me wonder why Mexicans take their music all the way to the grave?

http://blogs.esanjoaquin.com/tulevato/2014/04/07/music-to-the-grave/