Latest news with #LosAlegresdelBarranco
Los Angeles Times
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Criminal investigation against Los Alegres del Barranco suspended after band releases anti-narcocorrido
Months after facing backlash for projecting the image of an alleged drug cartel leader during a concert, Los Alegres del Barranco have reached an agreement with Mexican authorities that would temporarily pause a criminal investigation into the band. The Council of the Judiciary of the State of Jalisco agreed on Monday to lift the criminal proceedings that began after the Mexican corrido band behind songs like 'La Gente del Chapo' and 'La Muerte del Comandante' displayed a photograph of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (also known as 'El Mencho'), the reputed leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación, during their March 29 concert at the Telmex Auditorium in Zapopan, a suburb of Guadalajara. The decision was made after the members of Los Alegres del Barranco agreed to several conditions, including releasing an anti-narcocorrido track and agreeing to a probationary period of six months, Billboard reported. On June 15, the band released a song called 'El Consejo,' about the consequences youth can face if they get involved with drug lords and cartels. 'It's worth noting that after accepting [Jalisco] Gov. Pablo Lemus's invitation to record an anti-corrido, the song 'El Consejo has more than 2 million cumulative plays on all of the band's platforms,' Los Alegres del Barranco said in a statement to The Times. The agreement requires that the band members maintain residency in Guadalajara, that they periodically check in with state authorities and that they hold conversations with incarcerated youth, encouraging them to stay away from organized crime. The case will be dropped after a six-month period if the musicians meet the conditions, the band said. Days after the group's controversial concert, the U.S. State Department revoked the band's work and tourist visas, which resulted in the cancellation of its scheduled U.S. show dates, including a stop on May 25 at Pico Rivera Sports Arena. 'I'm a firm believer in freedom of expression, but that doesn't mean that expression should be free of consequences,' Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau wrote in an April 1 post to X announcing the visa revocations. 'In the Trump Administration, we take seriously our responsibility over foreigners' access to our country. The last thing we need is a welcome mat for people who extol criminals and terrorists,' he added. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also criticized Los Alegres del Barranco during a May 31 press conference. 'No apology can be made for violence or criminal groups,' she said. Roughly a third of Mexico's states and many cities have banned the performance of narcocorridos in recent years.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mexican band changes its tune after cartel leader's face shown at concert
A popular Mexican band under investigation for glorifying a wanted drug lord has released an anti-narco song in a bid to clear its name. The band, Los Alegres del Barranco, is accused of condoning crime over a song praising Nemesio Oseguera, head of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel in western Mexico. In April, the United States, which has designated the cartel as a terrorist organization, revoked the band's visas for displaying images of Oseguera during a concert and last month prosecutors in Jalisco state opened an investigation into the group. Oseguera — better known as "El Mencho" — has a $15 million U.S. bounty on his head. In a bid to curry favor with the authorities, the band released a new song on YouTube on Sunday titled "El Consejo" (The Advice). Its lyrics warn that there are only two avenues open to those who become involved in drug trafficking: "the pantheon (of dead traffickers) or prison." The Jalisco prosecutor's office reacted positively to the new track, which had garnered nearly 80,000 views on Monday, saying that "by spreading a positive message in a song, there is a possibility that the investigation will be suspended." However, the band remains under investigation for suspected illicit funding, prosecutors said. The Jalisco cartel, one of the country's most powerful drug cartels, developed rapidly into an extremely violent and capable force after it split from the Sinaloa cartel following the 2010 killing of Sinaloa cartel leader Ignacio "Nacho" Coronel Villarreal by the military. Several Mexican states have cracked down on "narcocorridos," a controversial subgenre of regional Mexican folk music that includes shout outs to drug traffickers. Earlier this month, the popular Los Tucanes de Tijuana band was fined more than $36,000 for performing songs glorifying drug cartels in the northern city of Chihuahua. Performers of drug ballads have themselves also been targets of gang violence. In late May, five members of the group Fugitivo were found dead in Tamaulipas state, days after being hired to perform a concert. Their deaths were blamed on suspected drug traffickers. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum launched a music competition in April "for peace and against addictions" in an attempt to counter the popularity of "narcocorridos." Contestants are from both Mexico and the United States. The second phase of the competition is set to start July 5 after a panel of judges selects the participants who will advance. The finale is set for Oct. 5 in Durango, Mexico. New York City mayoral candidate Brad Lander detained by ICE Trump says U.S. knows where Iran's supreme leader is, but won't kill him "for now" Sen. Alex Padilla breaks down in tears on Senate floor recounting Noem news conference removal
Malay Mail
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Under probe for glorifying drug cartels, Mexican band releases song with positive message to clear name
GUADALAJARA (Mexico), June 17 — A popular Mexican band under investigation for glorifying a wanted drug lord has released an anti-narco song in a bid to clear its name. The band, Los Alegres del Barranco, is accused of condoning crime over a song praising Nemesio Oseguera, head of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel in western Mexico. In April, the United States, which has designated the cartel as a terrorist organisation, revoked the band's visas for displaying images of Oseguera during a concert and last month prosecutors in Jalisco state opened a probe into the group. In a bid to curry favour with the authorities, the band released a new song on YouTube on Sunday titled 'El Consejo' (The Advice). Its lyrics warn that there are only two avenues open to those who become involved in drug trafficking: 'the pantheon (of dead traffickers) or prison.' The Jalisco prosecutor's office reacted positively to the new track, which had garnered nearly 80,000 views on Monday, saying that 'by spreading a positive message in a song, there is a possibility that the investigation will be suspended.' However, the band remains under investigation for suspected illicit funding, prosecutors said. Several Mexican states have cracked down on 'narcocorridos,' a controversial subgenre of regional Mexican folk music that includes shout outs to drug traffickers. Earlier this month, the popular Los Tucanes de Tijuana band was fined more than $36,000 for performing songs glorifying drug cartels in the northern city of Chihuahua. Performers of drug ballads have themselves also been targets of gang violence. In late May, five members of the group Fugitivo were found dead in Tamaulipas state, days after being hired to perform a concert. Their deaths were blamed on suspected drug traffickers. — AFP
France 24
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- France 24
Mexican band accused of glorifying cartels changes its tune
The band, Los Alegres del Barranco, is accused of condoning crime over a song praising Nemesio Oseguera, head of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel in western Mexico. In April, the United States, which has designated the cartel as a terrorist organization, revoked the band's visas for displaying images of Oseguera during a concert and last month prosecutors in Jalisco state opened a probe into the group. In a bid to curry favor with the authorities, the band released a new song on YouTube on Sunday titled "El Consejo" (The Advice). Its lyrics warn that there are only two avenues open to those who become involved in drug trafficking: "the pantheon (of dead traffickers) or prison." The Jalisco prosecutor's office reacted positively to the new track, which had garnered nearly 80,000 views on Monday, saying that "by spreading a positive message in a song, there is a possibility that the investigation will be suspended." However, the band remains under investigation for suspected illicit funding, prosecutors said. Several Mexican states have cracked down on "narcocorridos," a controversial subgenre of regional Mexican folk music that includes shout outs to drug traffickers. Earlier this month, the popular Los Tucanes de Tijuana band was fined more than $36,000 for performing songs glorifying drug cartels in the northern city of Chihuahua. Performers of drug ballads have themselves also been targets of gang violence. In late May, five members of the group Fugitivo were found dead in Tamaulipas state, days after being hired to perform a concert.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
8 of the Best Latin-Themed Musicals Ever on Broadway: From ‘West Side Story' to ‘Buena Vista Social Club'
Two Latin-themed musicals have opened on Broadway within five weeks of each other, receiving some love from the Tonys this year: Buena Vista Social Club, which co-leads the list of nominees for the June 8 awards ceremony with 10 nods, and Real Women Have Curves: The Musical, which received two. More from Billboard Patti LuPone Apologizes for Her 'Demeaning and Disrespectful' Comments on Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald Los Alegres del Barranco Cancel Show in Michoacán for 'Security Concerns' Grupo Firme Cancels U.S. Concert Due to Work Visas Being in 'Administrative Process' Buena Vista Social Club — which narrates the story of the Cuban artists who brought the acclaimed Grammy-winning album of 1997 to the world — competes in categories including best musical, best performance by an actress in a featured role (Natalie Venetia Belcon), best book (Marco Ramirez) and best direction (Saheem Ali). Furthermore, the musicians who make up the band in the show will be recognized with a special Tony Award. Real Women Have Curves: The Musical is nominated for best original score — by Latin music star Joy Huerta (half of the Mexican pop duo Jesse & Joy) and Benjamin Velez — and best performance by an actress in a featured role (Justina Machado). Based on the play by Josefina López and HBO's movie adaptation, it follows 18-year-old Ana García, a daughter of immigrant parents who struggles between her ambitions of going to college and the desires of her mother for her to get married, have children and oversee the small, rundown family-owned textile factory. And a third Latin-themed show is currently in the works: BASURA, with music and lyrics by no other than Cuban-American superstar Gloria Estefan and her daughter, songwriter Emily Estefan. Inspired by a true story, BASURA (Spanish for 'garbage') will narrate the journey of Paraguay's Recycled Orchestra, a group of young artists who turn scrap material into instruments and music into possibilities. But Broadway has had a long-standing history affair with Latin music and artists, with shows ranging from classics like West Side Story, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Evita and Man of La Mancha, to more recent productions like In the Heights and On Your Feet! — and legendary stars from Rita Moreno and Chita Rivera, to Lin-Manuel Miranda. There was also the short-lived The Capeman [1998] starring Rubén Blades, Marc Anthony and Ednita Nazario, a Paul Simon musical based on the life of convicted murderer Salvador Agrón which closed after only two months; and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown [2010], an adaptation of Pedro Almodóvar's iconic black comedy film, which received mostly negative reviews and lasted three months. Meanwhile, some non-Latin themed shows have featured Latin stars throughout the years, like Hamilton, starting with creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and including Anthony Ramos and Javier Muñoz; and Chicago, with Mexican actress Bianca Marroquín playing both Roxie and Velma intermittently since 2006, and star guests including Sofía Vergara, Jaime Camil and Sebastián Yatra. In honor of the 78th Tony Awards, scheduled for June 8 at the Radio City Music Hall and airing live on CBS and Paramount+, here are eight of the best Latin-themed Broadway musicals from past and present, in alphabetical Date: Mar 19, 2025 Closing Date: n/a About: Inspired by true events, Buena Vista Social Club brings the 1997 Grammy-winning album to life as it tells the story of the Cuban legends who lived it. Music By: Buena Vista Social Club Book By: Marco Ramirez Main Original Cast: Natalie Venetia Belcon (Omara), Julio Monge (Compay), Mel Semé (Ibrahim), Jainardo Batista Sterling (Rubén), Isa Antonetti (Young Omara), Da'Von T. Moody (Young Compay), Wesley Wray (Young Ibrahim), Leonardo Reyna (Young Rubén), Renesito Avich (Eliades), Ashley De La Rosa (Young Haydee), Justin Cunningham (Juan De Marcos). Tony Nominations: 10 Tony Awards: TBDOpening Date: Sep 25, 1979 Closing Date: Jun 26, 1983 Revival: Apr 5, 2012 to Jan 26, 2013 About: Set in Argentina, Evita tells the story of Eva Perón, the iconic first lady of the Latin American country, who rose from poverty to become a powerful figure in the region. The musical explores her political ambitions, charity work, and eventual death from cancer at age 33. Music / Lyrics by: Andrew Lloyd Webber / Tim Rice Book By: Tim Rice Main Original Cast: Patti LuPone (Eva Perón), Bob Gunton (Perón), Mandy Patinkin (Che) Main Revival Cast: Elena Roger (Eva Perón), Michael Cerveris (Perón), Ricky Martin (Che) Tony Nominations: 11 for the original, 3 for the revival Tony Awards: 7 for the original, including best musical, best book of a musical, best original score, best actress in a musical (Patti LuPone), best featured actor in a musical (Mandy Patinkin), best lighting design, and best direction of a musicalOpening Date: Mar 9, 2008 Closing Date: Jan 9, 2011 About: A story of heritage, faith and healing love, In the Heights is about the hopes and struggles of residents of New York City's Washington Heights. Music / Lyrics By: Lin-Manuel Miranda Book By: Quiara Alegría Hudes Main Original Cast: Lin-Manuel Miranda (Usnavi), Andréa Burns (Daniela), Janet Dacal (Carla), Robin De Jesús (Sonny), Carlos Gomez (Kevin), Mandy Gonzalez (Nina), Christopher Jackson (Benny), Priscilla Lopez (Camila), Olga Merediz (Abuela Claudia), Karen Olivo (Vanessa) Tony Nominations: 13 Tony Awards: 4, including best musical, best original score written for the theatre, best choreography and best orchestrationsOpening Date: May 3, 1993 Closing Date: Jul 1, 1995 About: Based on the 1976 novel by Manuel Puig, Kiss of the Spider Woman explores the complex relationship between Molina and Valentin, two cellmates in an Argentine prison during the Dirty War. Molina, a gay man, uses his imagination and his love for movies to create a world of escapism for himself and, unexpectedly, for Valentin, a political prisoner. Music / Lyrics By: John Kander / Fred Ebb Book By: Terrence McNally Main Original Cast: Chita Rivera (Spider Woman / Aurora), Brent Carver (Molina), Anthony Crivello (Valentin) Notable Replacements: Vanessa Williams played Spider Woman from Jun 27, 1994 to Mar 18, 1995; Maria Conchita Alonso portrayed the role from Mar 20, 1995 to Jul 01, 1995 Tony Nominations: 11 Tony Awards: 7, including best musical, best book of a musical, best original score, best actor in a musical (Brent Carver), best actress in a musical (Chita Rivera), best featured actor in a musical (Anthony Crivello), and best costume designOpening Date: Nov 22, 1965 Closing Date: Jun 26, 1971 Revivals: Jun 22, 1972 to Oct 21, 1972; Sep 15, 1977 to Dec 31, 1977; Apr 24, 1992 to Jul 26, 1992; Dec 5, 2002 to Aug 31, 2003 About: A retelling of Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote and his quest, Man of La Mancha celebrates the perseverance of one man who refuses to relinquish his ideals and who is determined to see life not as it is, but as it ought to be. Music / Lyrics By: Mitch Leigh / Joe Darion Book By: Dale Wasserman Main Original Cast: Richard Kiley (Don Quixote – Cervantes), Irving Jacobson (Sancho Panza), Joan Diener (Aldonza – Dulcinea) Tony Nominations: 7 for the original, 1 for the 1977 revival, 3 for the 2002-2003 revival Tony Awards: 5 for the original, including best musical, best composer and lyricist, best actor in a musical (Richard Kiley), best scenic design, and best direction of a musicalOpening Date: Nov 5, 2015 Closing Date: Aug 20, 2017 About: On Your Feet! tells the inspiring true story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, two people who believed in their talent —and each other— to become an international sensation. Featuring their hits like 'Rhythm Is Gonna Get You' and 'Conga', the show is a celebration of their musical journey and the challenges they faced in music and in life. Music / Lyrics By: Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan Book By: Alexander Dinelaris Main Original Cast: Ana Villafañe (Gloria), Josh Segarra (Emilio), Andréa Burns (Gloria Fajardo), Alma Cuervo (Consuelo), Eduardo Hernandez (Nayib) Tony Nominations: 1 Tony Awards: 0Opening Date: Apr 27, 2025 Closing Date: n/a About: Set in the Boyle Heights section of Los Angeles in 1987, Real Women Have Curves follows Ana García, an bright 18-year-old determined to become the first member of her family to go to college. But when the family garment business receives a make-or-break order for 200 dresses, Ana finds herself juggling her own ambitions, her mother Carmen's expectations, and a community of women all trying to make it work against the odds. The show is based on the play by Josefina López and HBO's movie adaptation. Music / Lyrics By: Joy Huerta, Benjamin Velez Book By: Lisa Loomer, Nell Benjamin Main Original Cast: Tatianna Córdoba (Ana García), Justina Machado (Carmen García), Florencia Cuenca (Estela García), Mauricio Mendoza (Raúl García) Tony Nominations: 2 Tony Awards: TBDOpening Date: Sep 26, 1957 Closing Date: Jun 27, 1959 Revivals: Apr 27, 1960 to Dec 10, 1960; Apr 8, 1964 to May 3, 1964; Feb 14, 1980 to Nov 30, 1980; Mar 19, 2009 to Jan 02, 2011; Feb 20, 2020 to Mar 11, 2020 About: A modern representation of Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story is set in the West Side of New York City during the summer of 1957, and explores the rivalry between two youth warring street gangs: The Jets, of European roots, and the Sharks, of Puerto Rican origin. Things get complicated when Tony, a member of the Jets, falls madly in love with Maria, the sister of the Sharks' leader. Music / Lyrics By: Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim Book By: Arthur Laurents Main Original Cast: Mickey Calin (Riff), Larry Kert (Tony), Carol Lawrence (Maria), Ken Le Roy (Bernardo), Chita Rivera (Anita) Tony Nominations: 6 for the original production; 2 for the 1964 revival; 2 for the 1980 revival; 4 for the 2009-2011 revival Tony Awards: 2 for the original production, including best scenic design and best choreography; 1 for the 2009-2011 revival, for best featured actress in a musical (Karen Olivo) Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
