By Marty Mayfield-
KRTN Multi-Media
Brenda Ferri, Raton Mainstreet Director, felt the first ever Gate City Music Festival weekend was a success as activities drew to a close Sunday evening with Antonio Reyna on stage at the Shuler Theater.
Saturday morning began with the vendors arriving on First Street to sell their wares as the RHS football team members took turns on the Nascar Simulator sponsored by Pepsi and car owner Caleb Coats of Top End Racing. The boys helped Mainstream setup Saturday morning and those who helped got the chance to drive a race car built for Jimmy Johnson.
Soon music filled the air with the sounds of Phoenix Arizona based singer songwriter Marilyn Moser who was followed by Matt Campbell performing his own style of storytelling country style lyrics. Country Showdown winner Nicole Unser with local guitarist David Parker performed on the stage setup up at Park and First Street Saturday afternoon. Making their way down from Denver was the popular Ben Marshall Band who closed the Saturday afternoon events on First Street.
The cowboys and cowgirls graced the El Raton stage both Saturday and Sunday to spin their own cowboy tails with song and poetry. Dennis Russell brought to Raton a varied group of performers including Susie Knight, Kara Mutz, Floyd Beard, Doug Figgs and JJ Steele.
Marilyn Moser opened the Shuler Stage to a packed house followed by the dynamic Tom Faulkner, Faulkner entertained the crowd with stories about his songs and was joined by Crystal and Will Yates for a couple of numbers. Crystal and Will then took to the stage and even unplugging for a tune down front on the edge of the stage. They were followed by country singer Deana Carter who traveled from California for the event. She told the crowd she was happy to be back after taking time off to raise her son who actually told mom she needed to go back to singing.
Sunday’s activities again started on First Street with vendors, the Nascar ride and more wonderful music provided by DJ Noby Gomez. Local singer Rick Trice took to the First Street Stage to entertain the crowd. Tiffany Dawn returns to Raton for the event accompanied by her sister Cassie Vigil. The ladies put on a show not only for the locals but a large group of family showed up to listen to the girls making it truly a family event.
Sunday evening the Shuler Stage came alive with the rich captivating sounds of El Paso based Mariachi Flores accompanied by the colorful and artful Ballet Illusion. Established in 2002, Mariachi Flores Mexicanas is an all-female Mariachi group from El Paso, Texas. The music filled the Shuler with the strong sounds of the trumpet and the soothing melodies of the violin and guitars. Trio Los Amigos changed the tone with their soulful guitar music and were joined on stage by Mariachi Flores Mexicanas to perform some romantic tunes.
Antonio Reyna joined the musicians on stage and performed a range of music. While many may not have understood the words, the sounds brought the Shuler alive with lively music that simply makes the feet move. The mariachi style music comes from simple beginnings as Mexican farmers began by playing stringed instruments in the 1800s. Reyna brings to the stage a strong rich voice that makes the music flow through the air.
Plans for next year’s event are already in the minds of those who planted this seed last year. One primary mover of the event Crystal Yates, is also planning a holiday event for the Shuler that could include a challenge to students at area schools to help get them involved with the community.
