Suavecita SoUldies

at the Golden Bull

 Upon arriving at 412 16^th street in Oakland, I was immediately struck by a crowd of people different that I. A crowd of people tatted and dolled up in Chicana vintage. The bar was a dark abyss with flashing red lights and people packed into every corner of the event moving to the beat of old school Cumbia and oldies but goodies.  There were two wide screen TV’s showcasing outdated women in the 70’s dancing and singing to songs I had never heard of.  And, on stage there were five women having their own private party while dj-ing for the masses.  I felt like I had been sucked into a different world, a world I had seen on TV’s and gotten a glimpse of on the streets but never entered. It was an event celebrating the world of the Chicana women.

The leader of the event happens to be a good friend of mine, named April and surprisingly I had never been to one of her events before. I was taken aback at the way she fit into this world with such ease and how I had always seen her as unique and different.  We crossed paths in the bathroom; she had been on stage dancing with the other co-hosts all night and was glistening with sweat but she looked radiant and happy.  The next day

 

 

 

I interviewed her about the meaning of her event. April  stated that the event was meaningful to her because, “ she grew up listening to her parents oldies and cumbia and she was really excited to have her friends be a part of it, to share her music with her community without the attachment of her parents and family and to host and show people a good old time”. Essentially she was building a community by sharing her experiences through song.

That night I interviewed a few people that had been at the party. The majority of the people  seemed to fit it, they came because they had a connection with the songs that were being played and a deep root in Chicano history and lifestyle, they came to share their experiences and have a familiar good time.  I also interviewed some males that seemed out of place. One named Arshad, was there with friends mostly to meet girls but was drawn in by the crowd; he didn’t expect such diversity. He stated the event was, “really interesting and he’d definitely go back.”

All in all, the event was an enriching experience and a reminder that America is a melting pot. I found myself wishing I had been more connected to my Latina roots and decided to make an effort to explore that part of myself and my culture a bit more. I would absolutely go back it was a great time with great friends, sharing a unique experience.