With 28 years of artistic experience, El Haragan y Cia returned to Chicagoland for a premiere show at Joe’s Live in Rosemont, IL on Feb. 16. In many respects Luis “El Haragan’s” band is the epitome of Mexican rock’n’roll, blues and funk achieving fame and popularity without the support of commercial media or major label support.
Photos by @Jean.Marc.Lavoie
Under the direction of Luis “El Haragan” (singer, composer, songwriter, producer) the band, “Cia,” is excellent live and is to be appreciated in medium-sized venues like Joe’s as well as bigger stages. Formed in 1989, El Haragan y Cia now has 11 studio albums, 3 live albums, 2 compilations and a single with over 7 million copies sold worldwide.
Even if you’ve heard them before and even if you’ve danced and slammed to their performance at one of the countless Aragon Ballroom shows, to see them live in an intimate quality venue is a treat. Not only are you closer to the artist, not only is the sound so much better, but, the experience and vibe of this band and their fans is like no other.
Born in Mexico City on Christmas Day 1967, Luis Alvarez gained the name “El Haragan” when a radio personality mixed up his artist name and song title, announcing him as “El Haragan performing the song Luis Alvarez” as the artist took the stage. But Luis’ history in music began as a child, picking up his first guitar at age 10, writing his own songs and competing in a Teleguia song competition at the age of 12. In 1989 he forms EL Hargan y Cia and they sign to Discos y Cintas Denver one year later.
In 2010, El Haragan goes independent to produce and retain the rights to all of his own material. Today El Haragan is considered one of the most influential bands when it comes to Mexican national rock, which is born from the deep roots of Mexico City.
El Haragan y Cia have also collaborated on soundtracks and with multiple artists, as well as having received numerous awards. If you are one of the lucky ones that can make it to Mexico’s Vive Latino, you can see Haragan y Cia at Vive Latino 18 on the “Foro Sol” stage on March 18.