MCT Headliner Grupo Metál

Kyle Knox

Gila River Indian News

Headlining the 58th Annual Mul-Chu-Tha Entertainment Stage festivities was Chris Perez, backed by Grupo Metál Saturday, Mar 7. The band performed many classics from Perez’s late wife and Tejano music legend Selena Quintanilla-Perez before a packed field for the Community.

The band Grupo Metál consisted of two original members of Selena’s band Selena y Los Dinos, guitarist Chirs Perez, and Joe Ojeda, who played the keyboards. Carlito Miranda provided vocals for the group and would round out the trio who made regular appearances with community members throughout the fair.

Kicking off the performance, the band kicked into the disco medley Selena performed at the Astrodome in Austin, TX. Many may remember this medley as it was the opening scene from the 1997 biographical film, Selena.  The concert stands filled quickly, and at any given time, one could hear the crowd singing along to the numerous hits performed that night despite most being in the Spanish language. 

Another memoreable moment of the night was the closing song, that concluded with a slowed opening version of Selena’s iconic song “Como La Flor.” This version was reminiscent, again, to another scene from the Selena film.

After a quick break, the trio of Perez, Ojeda, and Miranda held a meet and greet and signed autographs for everyone. It was a memorable Saturday night for everyone, including the band who closed out the concert sharing their admiration for the Community, it’s leaders and the land in which GRIC resides.