Sunday, July 24, 2016

ROCK THE PARK KICKS OUT JAMS AT DEAN PORTER PARK


By Juan Montoya
Dubbed as a family-oriented event meant to revitalize the city's inner core, the first annual Rock the to Park went off without a hitch and drew hundreds of music lovers to hear local bands and then capped it off with a band led by Fran Cosmo, the former lead singer of Boston.
Cosmo and his crew came after the crowd was warmed up by local bands including Allied Forces, Sidewinder, the Chris Rivera Band, JC Stone, Awayout and the Click.
It had been a while since a big rock blowout was staged in the city, with the bands playing local venues like Cobbleheads or on the island. The last big concerts held here probably happened during SombreroFest. In fact, Rock the Park organizers thanked that group for assisting them to put the shown on at Dean Porter Park .
We can't remember the last time we felt the earth reverberate with out and out rock and roll the way Cosmo and his band made the ground tremble as spectators filled the space before the stage and spilled out onto the grass. Even from a distance, the walls of Boston-like sound blew across the park.
"Cool the Engines," "Don't Look Back," and "More than a Feeling" drew an enthusiastic response from the crowd which Cosmo encouraged to sing along.
When one considers that the entry fee of $25 supports live music and guaranteed a full afternoon of music and rock camaraderie, the price, most agree, was well worth it.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Rock 'n roll is anathema to Brownsville's culture.

Anonymous said...

Ah Freak out! Le Freak, c'est Chic

Now Freak!
I said Freak!
Now Freak!

Anonymous said...

Mexicans will pay $25 to hear Nostalgia Rock, but drop only $1 in the church collection plate. God is not happy.

Anonymous said...

It made me sad when I caught myself pretending that everybody out there in cyberspace cared about what I thought, when really nobody gives a shit. And when I multiplied that sad feeling by all the millions of people in their lonely little rooms, furiously writing and posting to their lonely little pages that nobody has time to read because they’re all so busy writing and posting, it kind of broke my heart.

Anonymous said...

Just shoot yourself , already ! Jeez!

Anonymous said...

Glad that someone enjoyed these music events. Glad someone has $25 they are willing to pay to stand in the heat of the day/evening for such an event. Why not do this at the Sports Park or the Events Center....is it just to attract people downtown....or just to entertain the downtown community????????? To our terrible mayor, Tony Martinez.....your plans aren't working...anywhere in the city.

Anonymous said...

Initiatives like these should be “free of charge” given the fact all the local bands who performed with Fran Cosmo can be seen for free in the small clubs and the so-called Boston Lead singer is just a poser using the music written by the genius Tom Scholz and the gifted singer Brad Delp . Who pocketed the entrance money?

Other cities bring musicians for the people to enjoy, this was a full for-profit event and it was not worth it.

The main asset of any community is their youth and no real youngsters were among the players. All the performing bands played the same old songs that had been playing since the 80s and most of them sound out of tune, out of tempo and without any charisma. The same riffs performed real sloppy and mutilated, the notes are not defined. Most of these bands have CDs with originals but they are musically irrelevant that they go back to the same overheard songs.

In the city of Brownsville we have talented musicians in our schools and universities, please include them and these old folks, give it up, you guys have no talent. As far as bringing a famous rocker, please bring someone who has and perform original music.

I guess it was a good beginning for the rock community but learn from the mistakes, listen your performances but listen with a musician’s ear not with the Facebook ego and improve.

Anonymous said...



When an arrow is so dull it merely bounces off without deflection, no defense is needed. Unskilled words, like yours, have no sting, no effect.

Speaking of skills, can you flip a burger? Can you greet customers as they come in the store entrance? Can you count the number of dresses on a rack? You must be able to do something besides troll the internet.

Even if you're unsure, Duardo, go to the Texas Workforce and bullshit them! You will feel so much better about yourself gainfully employed. Just think. Maybe, the next time you go out with your young relatives, YOU can pick up the tab for fish tacos. Pick up the tab, Duardo, not the tip!

Anonymous said...

Thank you Roland Tanguma ,president of event. You actually think outside the box. Perfect night of rock

Anonymous said...

D.A. Luis Saenz should file charges against the event organizers if this singer was never a member of the band Boston. Some D.A. in north Texas actually filed when complaints surfaced that the 60s band Steppenwolf was in town. It was only one member of the original group, so refunds were in order, the local prosecutor said. Nostalgia Rock is a big fraud!

Ben said...

I think OUR bands in Brownsville and their " old songs " are Awesome STILL !!!

Anonymous said...

Amen!!

rita