Growing up in the border town of Tijuana, Mexico, Julieta Venegas easily absorbed the richest elements of Mexican and American pop culture, and over the course of four solo albums, she’s managed to become increasingly accessible without sacrificing her idiosyncratic impulses. With her moody accordion work and bright, radio-friendly voice, Venegas — particularly on her last two albums, Sí and Limón y Sal — often suggests what would happen if Tom Waits and Beck collaborated on a set of songs, had them translated to Spanish, and gave them to Nena to sing.
Venegas will come to San Antonio for a performance at the Lila Cockrell Theatre (200 E. Market) on Thursday, April 19. Showtime is 8 p.m., and tickets range from $50-$70. Call Ticketmaster (224-9600) for ticket info.
Dream Deferred
All eyes will be on the upcoming Street Dreams Tour hitting Freeman Coliseum on Sunday, April 22, featuring Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Jim Jones, Rich Boy, and Lil Flip, and backed by Power 106.7. The last time a hip-hop radio station in San Antonio put on a show, we experienced 98.5 The Beat’s debacle at Rosedale Park, culminating in a mini-riot and police pandemonium on the city’s west side. Those willing to catch this set of lackluster acts should expect a very controlled environment, with a heavy police presence.
As far as the music goes, Wayne and Jeezy lyrically outshine everyone else on the bill combined. Jim Jones is hands down the worst rapper in the game today, and Rich Boy’s latest single should be shelved for what would be described in sports parlance as “conduct detrimental to the team.”
For hip-hop diehards though, hearing Jeezy do “Soul Survivor,” the Akon song, and “Go Getta,”, his grinding new anthem with R. Kelly, in concert just might be worth the risk.
— Gilbert Garcia and M. Solis
