Rock the Fox #6–WOW!

WALSENBURG — Rock the Fox # 6 “Super Band” jam included (l to r): Jake Cortez, Mario Aleman, Jason (Jug) White, Bo Seawell, Jac Mihanovic, Paula Compton, Danielle Seawell, Chris Wojtecki, and Bob Rheam. Photo by Edie Flanagin. by Edie Flanagin Rock the Fox # 6 “Super Band” jam included (l to r): Jake Cortez, Mario Aleman, Jason (Jug) White, Bo Seawell, Jac Mihanovic, Paula Compton, Danielle Seawell, Chris Wojtecki, and Bob Rheam. Photo by Edie Flanagin.

WALSENBURG — Where else but Walsenburg could a person find virtuoso guitar players, a dazzling opera singer, and a Reggae band all on one stage? Dr. William Beverly brought together these highly talented musicians for a fundraiser for the Fox Theatre and Advocates Against Domestic Violence last Saturday evening. The lineup started with the guitar prodigy (he started playing at age three) Jake Cortez.

The intricate classical Flamenco sounds issuing from his well-loved guitar entranced the crowd. Cortez’s talent isn’t just limited to Flamenco ballads and serenades, he can also rock with the best. He played a tribute to Pink Floyd that knocked our socks off! Following Cortez was guitar wizard Mario Aleman.

Aleman was mentored by Cortez and the Mexican/ Spanish influences are evident in his music. Aleman produces many original scores and makes up his own backup “band” by recording hours of music in his home studio. Aleman’s and Cortez’s music can be found on Spotify, I-Tunes, and other streaming music markets. This was the second trip to southern Colorado by the south Texas pair.

We hope they will make at least an annual trip back here. Eldaa Munoz Bouffartique, accompanied by Aleman and Cortez and later by a brilliant pianist, Eddie Burkhalter, wowed the crowd with her vocal range. The venerable Fox Theatre resonated with the rich delivery of very elaborate music. Bouffartique is a local jewel.

Finally, Planet O band took the stage. The band seemed to really gel on Saturday night and they sounded better than ever. The “old gang” was back on stage and their years of experience playing together really shone in their music. After the Planet O set, Aleman and Cortez joined the band for a “super band” set that was another of the many highlights of the evening.

The success of the “Rock the Fox” concerts prove that Huerfano County is a viable place to showcase music from local and national talent. Thanks to the Fox Theatre restoration project supported by donations and grants, we can expect more awesome music in the months and years to come.