When the vibrant sounds of cumbia met the Lone Star State, it was an adventure like no other. I had the privilege of joining Ritmo Cascabel as their tour photographer during their Texas Takeover tour for South By Southwest (SXSW). Over the course of a week in the Austin springtime, I aimed to capture all of the memorable moments that would soon be just memories. This was a journey to remember.
As we embarked on the tour, we couldn't help but make a crucial stop at Buc-ee's, the iconic Texas pit stop known for its colossal size and endless selection of snacks. Another thing you can't miss in Texas is the barbecue, and we made sure to savor it at the revered Terry Black's Barbecue. It was a feast of flavors and a taste of authentic Texas hospitality that left us craving more.
Ritmo Cascabel's music found its way to some legendary stages during the tour. The historic Sahara Lounge, where musical greats like BB King once performed, was one such stop. The tour also included shows at venues like Hotel Vegas, Tweedy's, and the Green Room in San Antonio.
One day during SXSW was a true marathon for Ritmo Cascabel. They performed not one, not two, but three shows in a single day. The first was in Austin as official SXSW artists, where they wowed festival-goers with their dynamic cumbia tunes. They then journeyed three hours to San Antonio for a second show, before wrapping up the night at an Austin local's house party known for its lively attendees and great music. It was a relentless schedule, but the band's energy never waned.
It was a whirlwind of an adventure and I'm so happy I got to share it with them. . The candid moments, the laughter, and the connection between the band members were all part of the visual story. These photographs hold the spirit of the Texas Takeover tour.
