One of the many Festivals that TSE (Texas Sounds Entertainment) books the entertainment for each year is the City of Baytown’s Grito Fest. The festival is held each year by the Parks and Recreation Department to celebrate the city’s Hispanic culture. Baytown, Texas is a city of approximately 76,000 people just east of Houston. Hispanics comprise over 40 percent of its population.
The free event celebrates Latin culture and music and features live music, food and drink booths, accordion competition, Salsa competition, Jalapeno eating contest (Yikes!) and the world famous Grito competition!
The Grito competition is a very loud yell or call which is an expression of joy or excitement that has become one of the internationally known behaviors of Mexican culture made famous during the Mexican War of Independence from Spain. Ear plugs are not furnished. Ha! What fun! This competition is open to men and women alike. It’s always amazing to hear the different and wide varieties of yells. Aye, aye, ayeeee!
The 2017 Grito Fest took place on October 7th at Bicentennial Park. From 4 to 10 pm. The crowd of over 5,000 were regaled with a constant stream of music, competitions and events. This year’s entertainment featured four acts booked by TSE. They included:
Mariachi Perla Tapatia, a Houston based traditional mariachi 7-piece group. They performed many beloved Mexican songs and ballads.
H.O.L.A. Ballet Folklorico Dancers. This 20-member group performed a number of traditional Mexican folk dances, emphasizing technique, body alignment, control, strength and style.
Grupo Alcanzable Performed Norteno and Tejano music with very high energy. They got the crowd movin’ and a groovin’! They are an excellent band that’s one break away from being international stars in the Latin music scene.
Fito Olivares y La Pura Sabrosura was greatly received, appreciated and is loved by all! Fito has had multiple Hits and has a large following among fans who love the Hispanic music scene.
This final event capped a beautiful Fall day and another highly successful Grito Fest! TSE is honored to be the entertainment booking agency for this event for the 15th year in a row.
The Grito Fest is one of 3 events held by the city each year for which TSE books concert performers and other acts. Planning is already underway for next year’s Grito Fest and TSE is working with the Parks and Recreation Department to find the right combination of entertainers to celebrate the City’s Hispanic culture. We look forward each year of being a part of such a great event.
Mike Black
