Skagaleros 1st EP Release at Yerberia Cultura

 On July 2, 2016 was an emotional sight here at Yerberia Cultura as we witnessed The Skagaleros release their first EP, We watched them grow and develop into the monstrous ska sound they have become. They packed the house like no other show had ever done so, almost 300 in attendance waited and anticipated the sounds of trumpets over the sound of ear crunching guitars. The crowd was loud and full of energy jumping around and skanking with smiles ear to ear. The CD sold quick and so did the shirts, the Skagaleros not only represent themselves but represent the Valley. They are rooted in its community and are heavily involved, 3 of them are current teachers and the other 3 work for unions.

NOTHING (Relapse) at Yerberia Cultura

On Monday June 27, 2016 production company TigersBlood brought down Nothing (Relapse) a melodic, grunge band from the east coast that has a similar sound to older Smashing Pumpkins, Radio Head and Nirvana. Even friends of mine from Monterrey, Reynosa and Monterrey came traveled across the border to see and witness this momentous occasion. I was only able to catch Nothings set due to a cat nap that left me in a coma, Nothing blew me away but being able to see friends of mine I hadn't seen as often as I once did made it that much more memorable. It made me proud and honored of being part of the music scene in the Rio Grande Valley. The drummer of Nothing once played in Mcallen in 2007 with his previous band called Let Down, straight edge band from Philadelphia.

 with my friend Memo from Monterrey

Vegan PUNKch@nga! II

On Saturday, June 25 was a glorious day in the Vegan community here in the Rio Grande Valley, where Vegans were able to showcase their food making skills to the music community. The Facebook event page was flooded with questions regarding the food and the music, some negative feedback from nomies who aren't part of the music or the vegan community. The show did start behind schedule, but that's normal in music community. Ruben Farias an acoustic act warmed up the crowd and brought some laughs, he's one witty guy that is loaded with one liners and I highly recommend for everyone to follow him on twitter. Grayson is an instrumental band, where at times I wish I could just get up there and start yelling gibberish off the top of my lungs. Noble Insect murdered it with some of the best punk d beat riffs known to man. Worst Behavior vocalist sound straight from the dog pound, they are raspy and angry, new band, but dudes that have been around for years. Reinforce closed the night as expected the loyalist and the drunks stayed and cheered. The Vegan food was a hit, the vegan pizza and the vegan tacos were ultimately the talk of the show, expect a Vegan Punkchanga 3 in the works in the upcoming months.

Vegan PUNKch@nga! II

On Saturday, June 25 was a glorious day in the Vegan community here in the Rio Grande Valley, where Vegans were able to showcase their food making skills to the music community. The Facebook event page was flooded with questions regarding the food and the music, some negative feedback from nomies who aren't part of the music or the vegan community. The show did start behind schedule, but that's normal in music community. Ruben Farias an acoustic act warmed up the crowd and brought some laughs, he's one witty guy that is loaded with one liners and I highly recommend for everyone to follow him on twitter. Grayson is an instrumental band, where at times I wish I could just get up there and start yelling gibberish off the top of my lungs. Noble Insect murdered it with some of the best punk d beat riffs known to man. Worst Behavior vocalist sound straight from the dog pound, they are raspy and angry, new band, but dudes that have been around for years. Reinforce closed the night as expected the loyalist and the drunks stayed and cheered. The Vegan food was a hit, the vegan pizza and the vegan tacos were ultimately the talk of the show, expect a Vegan Punkchanga 3 in the works in the upcoming months.

Despero (Austin) @ Yerberia Cultura

On Saturday, June 17, 2016 was Valley Texas Hardcore first show at Yerberia Cultura. The lineup was stacked with some of the best locals from around the Rio Grande Valley. Sine Cura kicked off the night (they are currently on their 2 week tour towards the east coast). Attendance began to gain momentum during Reliving Cape York, they have an amazing melodic late 90's sound that keeps that reminds you of the simpler times in life. When Good Ghost hit the stage there was at least 150 people in attendance, they have such an amazing following from previous projects and this project seems to be picking up just where they had left off. This was Noble Insects second show, but they've had tons of hype after performing with Off With Their Heads a few weeks ago, here at Yerberia Cultura. The Relapsers have such an amazing Rock N Roll sound similar towards The Beltones (Austin) they have over 12 years in the music scene and they definitely know how to set it off. The anticipation was high and Despero lived up to the expectations, they had lots of movement and a line at the merch table. Reinforce closed the night, by far the most aggressive and loudest band of the night, they had plenty of love from the crowd.

Despero (current members of Capitalist Kids) (Melodic Hardcore , Austin TX)
https://soundcloud.com/desperoatx/the-bullets
The Relapsers
https://www.facebook.com/Relapsers/
Reinforce
https://reinforcehc.bandcamp.com/
Noble Insect 
https://nobleinsect.bandcamp.com/releases
Good Ghost
https://www.facebook.com/goodghostx/
Reliving Cape York
https://relivingcapeyork.bandcamp.com/track/sort-it-out
Dispirit
https://www.facebook.com/dispirittexas/

Young Metal/Thrash band arises from the Edinburg area

06/11/16

The Thirsty Monkey in Mcallen hosted a mixed genre show by Valley Texas Hardcore, The opening band Archangel took me by surprise because they did not have your usual opening lunchbox amplifiers they rolled in with Marshall half stacks. I heard them talk among each other and it reminded me a lot of when I was there age, tons of teasing and making fun of each others iPod playlists. They have a strong 80 thrash metal sound, rooted towards Death, (old Metallica), Megadeth and Anthrax. Archangel seems to have all the tools to create some amazing songs, just what they are willing to do, or will do with it remains the question. They do have a cheesy cliche look, but I do see themselves outgrowing it and participating in a heavier role in our local music community.

https://www.facebook.com/archangelmetal1/

About Me

I'm 34 born and raised in north central Pharr and I've been living in Weslaco with my wife for the past 8 years. I work at a middle school in Donna as a Teachers Assistant, I've been running a promotion company called Valley Texas Hardcore for the past 12 years. We host over 20 shows a year catering towards the underground Punk, Hardcore community. I've been a vegan for over 3 years, I love to go on nature walks and take pictures or Texas Wildlife. I have a vintage shop in Pharr called Riff's Vintage that I started over a year ago,we carry new and old items from pop culture, sports, entertainment and all genres of music. This year I started a pop up taco shop that serves street style vegan tacos called Riff Valley's, majority of our pops up have been at Yerbaria Cultura in downtown Mcallen.