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[braidedjanes]

Kansas City MO

By Andrew Doyle May 22nd 2023 After another great trip, this time to Kansas City, Missouri, I wanted to share a little about our drive there and back, the wonderful staff at the Mexican Consulate, our stay at the Holiday Inn and lunch with artist Mauricio. Once we had figured out that Kansas City would only be an 8-hour drive from Chicago we decided to drive instead of fly. Was also going to save us a lot of money and the stress of flying, with instruments. We'll be driving to Philadelphia next month and I look forward to another trip without flying.

The road trip to KC was nice. The weather was beautiful and there was little to no traffic or construction along the way. Juny and I shared driving duties while Jessica was busy at work in the back seat.

We made it to KC in good time and when we walked into the Holiday Inn we were staying at, we saw there was a restaurant and bar right there not far from the front desk. When I had researched places to eat nearby a place called Toast came up and was rated 4.9 stars. Sounded fancy at the time and I hadn't looked up to see how far away it was, yet, there it was... inside the hotel! We loved the idea of not having to drive anywhere else after being in the car all day.

Once we brought our things to our room we went back to the restaurant and bar and ordered a drink and some food. The staff was awesome; they seemed to care about their food and making their guests feel comfortable, which was a treat in itself. I normally don't order steak but the waiter talked me into trying it and I was so glad I did. When we went back to our room it didn't take long for us to fall asleep. The beds and pillows there were so comfortable; I think we needed a good night's sleep and we woke up feeling well rested.

The next morning I got up and ran on the treadmill and worked out in the hotel's fitness center. Felt good to get my body moving after sitting for so long the day before. Toast also served breakfast so with having to be at the Mexican Consulate by 11:30am I figured it would be best to eat something there before we left. Another great meal later and we were off to the Consulate not far away. It was another beautiful day and I loved feeling the hot sun after being in cold, cloudy weather back home.

When we arrived at the Consulate, we had to walk past a waiting room where every seat was taken. I felt a heaviness and sadness in my heart. I imagined many of the people were there trying to get paperwork or even citizenship for themselves or a loved one that couldn't be there and knew it had to be hard on them. I felt a greater sense and appreciation for the people we were performing for and for what they do every day to help others in need. Feeling their warm, and welcoming hospitality has become something I've started to look forward to on these trips. There's so much to love about Mexican culture, food, and music, but the people may be their greatest gifts.

It was great to see the Exhibit up again, in a new beautiful setting. The art pieces are starting to feel like friends I get to see every few weeks. Got to meet one of the featured artists Mauricio Zuniga and hear a little about his paintings and where some of his ideas come from. Being an artist and Art History major myself I really enjoyed our conversation and learning more about how he works. Was great also meeting Soileh Padilla Mayer the rest of her awesome staff.

The performance was so much fun. There was a little boy that got up close to where we were playing and danced for most of the show. He was adorable and made it even more special. Felt great to see people dancing and tuned in. What an honor!

After the event ended, Mauricio treated the three of us to an awesome lunch at Gate's Bar.B.Q. nearby. Just the smell alone was enough... I ordered the ribs and was in pure heaven. I think we all were. Was really nice getting to know more about Maurico's incredible journey and many of his life's adventures. I can't wait to get to treat him to a great meal when we see him next Tuesday at the Consulate show in Chicago.

After lunch, we drove home. It was almost identical to the way there, as the weather was beautiful and the roads were fairly empty most of the way. We were feeling really good about our show and the friends we had made in KC. Can't for our next show and our next road trip.

[braidedjanes]

9 hours til take off…

by Jessica Rodriguez

It’s 12am on May 9th and I have approximately 9 hours to pack and get ready for our road trip to Kansas City. Tomorrow is the next stop for the CORAZÓN MIGRANTE tour, the third city for us in this traveling art exhibit that started late last year. There’s so much that happens behind the scenes that goes unnoticed, seamlessly folded into every detail that goes unseen to the passing gaze.  a whatsapp conversation that goes around the melting clocks where time zones don’t matter but time is always of the essence, because there are 23 self motivated artists behind the scenes that never stop in an effort to make this all happen - coordinating the transportation of 40 paintings and two beautiful and very delicate sculptures.

Such is the life of an independent artist and I can’t express how proud I am of every single person in this artist co-op as well as my incredible band who has backed me up every step of the way. Every decision handled democratically, unanimously working together for the greater good.

Everyone has their strong suits and volunteers what they can so I designed the logo and the website. I manage Facebook and eventbrite. Similar to what I do for my Art Studio and for the band.  Somehow I find the time between my workshops during the day and painting classes at my studio at night. Juny’s downstairs making t-shirts and filling orders for her clients though she hasn’t packed either. I don’t know how she does it! There are no breaks when you work for yourself full time but it’s a challenge we embrace everyday. It’s rewarding and liberating... it’s a fast paced life where each day is a new adventure that keeps us equally thrilled, humbled and yes, very tired hehe but always grateful.

[braidedjanes]

Houston TX

By Andrew Doyle

After another great trip to perform for the Corazon Migrante Tour in Houston, Texas, I wanted to share a little about our experience.

After some unexpected fees and a damaged amp during our last trip together in Nogales, Arizona in March, we decided to rent some of our equipment from a Guitar Center in Houston, not far from our hotel. It was a good dose of relief knowing we didn't have to travel with as much this time around and it was probably a little cheaper in the end too. 

We had rented a car at the airport and after a long time in line we drove straight to the hotel to unload our luggage and instruments.The weather was beautiful and we were ready to indulge in some good southern cooking. Juny's long-time friend Raul who lives in the Houston area had recommended a place we could meet up for a crawfish boil and maybe a beer or two. That sounded amazing to me, but I was trying to hide my enthusiasm. 

When we arrived, and met up with Raul there were some big hugs being thrown around and we quickly got to having some good laughs and ate until we couldn't move. 

Juny picked up her cajon after lunch and we went back to the hotel to freshen up. Still full, we met back up with Raul in an old town called The Heights (? - must confirm town and place) for a few Old Fashions and more good laughs. The service was outstanding and made us feel right at home. I think any gitters I had from being away from home and in a big city like Houston were officially evaporated at that point. 

When we got back to the hotel we ran through our set, as much as we could; as we didn't have my amp yet and we were trying not to wake the people in the rooms next door. 

After a much-needed sleep, I took the car to pick up my rental amp and when I got back we set out to find a place nearby to get some lunch. We had found a place online but quickly realized that we wouldn't have time to drive there and back and be ready to leave the hotel for soundcheck, so we kept driving in hopes that we would find something good to eat as it would likely be our last meal until after our show. 

We soon stumbled upon a restaurant called El Muelle and as we walked in I saw a bowl of soup that caught my eye. I had never seen anything like it before and knew I had to try it. It was called Mariscada de Centro America, a seafood soup in a creamy curry broth that was to die for. It was as good as the Albondigas de Camaron I had in Nogales, Arizona. I was truly in heaven. I also had tried their Coctele Vida which had squid, shrimp and raw oysters; that was so fantastic too. 

Still smiling from an amazing meal, we went back to the hotel to get ready for our show. While driving back we realized we still needed to get the PA speaker Raul had offered to loan us for the show and we were running out of time. Getting around Houston quickly is no easy task. At the point we thought we would just have to make due with the amp the Consulate said they had for us. Not long after that realization, Raul showed up at the hotel with the PA speaker! So we didn't have to drive across town to get and didn't have to rely on a speaker we hadn't seen yet. This was the MVP move of the trip. Without Raul dropping everything he was doing at that moment and bringing us the PA speaker before we were to leave for soundcheck, I don't know if we would have had a show quite honestly. 

When we got to the Consulate building we were a bit awed by how beautiful the inside of the building was and how it felt like we were up in the trees as the windows on both sides of the building showed mostly just trees and light coming in. The art was up on the wall and sculptures were displayed on clean white wooden pedestals throughout the space. There was a great aura and vibe there as everyone was warm and friendly as usual at these events. 

We got set up and did a quick soundcheck. My cousins Amy and Jonathan and his girlfriend Nikki all live in Houston and were able to come see our show. Jessica's cousin Lizette lives there too and she and her family were there as well. Seeing your family and friends at a show when you're so far from home is an amazing feeling; we're so grateful for them making it and for being so supportive of us. They made it almost impossible not to have a great show. 

It felt so good to play for such a great audience and to be a part of the Migrante Tour and mission. I love Mexican culture and the people so much! 

[braidedjanes]

@museica tocando el piano frente a las dos banderas 🇲🇽🇺🇸 #mexicanamerican #chicana #chicanaartist #pianolove https://www.instagram.com/p/CrcGLIqgo-y/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[braidedjanes]

Andy happy to be doing what he loves #bassoife #bassplayer #bassplayersofinstagram #bassplayersunited #tour https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq8XKokg77M/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[braidedjanes]

@museica feliz por el gran comienzo de del tour @corazon_migrante_2023 con @braidedjanes en Noglaes. #chicana #chicanasinger #cantante #musicalatina #indiemusic #musicalatina #musicalatinalternativa (at Nogales, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq8W8m-gprm/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[braidedjanes]

Juny con su setup acústico! #acousticmusic #percussion #percussionist #drummer #drummersodinstagram #latinmusic #postpunk #latinalternative #latinalternativemusic #musicalatina #diy #musictour https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq8PbIqgqiA/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[braidedjanes]

Nos vemos este Jueves en El Paso Texas para la inauguración de @corazon_migrante_2023 muchísimas gracias a @consulmex_elpaso @sremx por su apoyo! #culturaltour #elpaso #elpasotexas #latinxmusic #chicanasinger #mexicanamerican #binationalarttour #artexhibitelpaso #artshow2023 #tourlife #diytour (at El Paso, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqWD_EiA-Ty/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[braidedjanes]

Calm before the storm in Nogales AZ📸 by @junyalvarez #nogalesaz #culturaltour #corazonmigrante #tourlife #indiemusic #latinxmusic #artistcollective #arttour https://www.instagram.com/p/CqUG3ZHuOhY/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[braidedjanes]

NOGALES, ARIZONA

By Andrew Doyle It’s been a few days since we got back from Nogales, Arizona where we played two shows; the first for International Women’s Day and the second for the Corazon Migrante event, and I can’t help wondering if it was just a dream I had. From the moment we arrived everyone we met was so welcoming and kind. The weather was beautiful with a gentle breeze cooling off the warm sun. Everywhere you turned you saw mountains that looked so majestic and mystical. There was a real spiritual energy there that made me wonder if other people felt it too. 

When we arrived for soundcheck we started to get more and more excited to play. We had practiced hard for weeks in preparation and it was the perfect setting and group of people to play for. Once we were on stage and we started our set everything just felt so right, and like we had been there before. And when we saw people dancing to our music we fed off their great energy and played to it; what a great feeling!

Later that night we got to spend some time with the Mexican Consulate Director Marcos Baez and his wife Marie who cooked us a wonderful meal with fish and potatoes with an amazing salsa. They were both so kind and welcomed us into their home the two days we were there. I can only hope they come to Chicago or Milwaukee so we can spoil them like they spoiled us.

The next day Mario, the incredible chauffeur who was kindly assigned to help us get around, gave us a tour of Nogales before the show. We drove up to the border and along the wall. There was something ominous and sad about seeing the wall running along the mountains and separating us from the other side. Then to see someone holding up an infant to reach through the open slots in the wall to touch someone else on the other side was heartbreaking. I think we were all fighting back the tears. It’s a sight I’ll never forget. It was a quiet ride to our next destination to get a bite before the show. We had lunch at a Mexican seafood restaurant called Machi where I had a bowl of Albondigas de Camaron. Every spoonful was absolutely heavenly. I’ve always felt that great caldo feeds the soul and not only is so good for you, it also lifts your spirit. I also had the Coctele de Campechana which was phenomenal as well. The seafood was so fresh, and delicious, in general. 

The second night we performed at the consulate and it was just as magical as the night before. The crowd was so warm and friendly; it was hard not to have a great show. We also got to meet most of the people there and had some nice conversations and at one point I even asked someone “are people always this nice here?” and they replied “yes, they are”. 

When we were saying goodbye we felt like we were saying goodbye to friends we had known for years. Even now, days later, I feel a lump in my throat wondering if and when we will see them again. In addition to Marcos and his family we want to thank Mario and Gamaliel who were both so good to us and became fast friends. And thank you to Karla, the artist representing Nogales on the tour, for inviting us over that last night after the show. We really enjoyed getting to meet more of the people that had been there at the shows and some pretty amazing local artists. I hope we can go back to Nogales again soon!

[braidedjanes]

Por todas aquellas que ya no están 🖤 #8miseveryday https://www.instagram.com/p/CpwoRAdgidL/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[braidedjanes]

Thank you to May Rude from @theadvocatemag, we’re happy to be on this list of 7 new LGBTQ+ artists you should add to your Spotify playlist 🌈🎶 . . . #spotify #spotifyplatlist #glbtq+ #ilovegaymusic #queersinger https://www.instagram.com/p/CpbmNNsumGS/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[braidedjanes]

📸 @jean.marc.lavoie Las Juanas Trenzadas coming to a city near you! We can’t wait to take the show on the road. #diymusician #indieband #indiemusic #corazonmigrante #renacer #touringband #latinxmusic https://www.instagram.com/p/CpRQeaYuD4W/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[braidedjanes]

Bass = life #bassist #loveofmusic #bajista #latinxmusic #postpunk #latinrock https://www.instagram.com/p/CofhiaYO3sh/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[braidedjanes]

Aquí seguimos trabajando en el desarrollo de el próximo álbum pero con un hambre furaz de volver a tocar en vivo 🔥🔥🔥 #worththewait #valelaespera #readytorock #latinxmusic #musicanueva https://www.instagram.com/p/CofhEeOu00E/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[braidedjanes]

Wishing our favorite drummer and best friend a very happy birthday!! We love you @junyalvarez ! https://www.instagram.com/p/CoG3b3OutXx/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[braidedjanes]

Regresamos de Tijuana con el corazón llenito por todo lo que vivimos en esta reunión de artistas! Muchísimas gracias a @cecut_mx Centro Cultural Tijuana - CECUT por recibirnos con tanto cariño y por todo lo hacen por la comunidad artística. Gracias a @imesremx Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior y @consulmex_chicago por su gran apoyo 🇲🇽❤️ Es un honor haberles cantado nuestra nueva canción, “Mi Canto” en nuestro México Lindo y Querido. Estoy muy emocionada por todo lo que vendrá. Gracias a @julietazavala por colaborar conmigo y invitarme a modelar tu hermoso traje de Alebrije! Me sentí realmente mágica 🙌 https://www.instagram.com/p/CmST2ePulk8/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=