The Wizard of Oz showed us we can find what we’re looking for right in our own backyards. Many people travel long distances and spend their money searching for great entertainment. But you can save your money and unpack your bags. We have our own world-class entertainers right here in Baja.
Hola Soy Lola is a prime example. Winner of the 2014 Best Project award in Tijuana, they believe music is for sharing, to bring people together, not to divide. They’re on a mission to preserve and present traditional blues while staying fresh and edgy ensuring appreciation by younger fans.
Lead singer and sometime drummer Olga Perez is a vocal powerhouse with the showmanship skills necessary for their weekly Blues and Jam Fronterizo, part of 90 nights of great music here in Baja. Her daughter Stephanie Blues may be young according to the calendar but is timeless in laying down a strong bass line. And Olga’s husband Armando Bravo not only plays rhythm guitar but also wails on the harmonica and provides male vocals.
This is not just a family band. Drummer Mario Bernal and lead guitar virtuoso Arturo Cardenas each bring their expertise to the show which is sure to be the highlight of your night.
And it doesn’t stop there. Legendary bass player Socrates Ortiz can frequently be found on the Lola stage along with local vocalists such as Mopar Murray, Jose Luis, Rene, Gabi, Oscar Burgueno and Daniel Ayala among many others.
Long-time drummer and drum-maker Tommy Olmos has shared the stages of Baja and SoCal for decades with countless musicians and bands and can often be found onstage with Lola during the Jams. Sax-Man Kristian del Castillo (He can even play just the mouthpiece) and drummer Ramses Rios are a welcome addition on many numbers and guitarists/singers/songwriters Holly Avila, Eloy Miron and Chuy fit right in like a favorite pair of jeans.
Playing everything from Etta James and Muddy Waters to James Brown, Carlos Santana, Stevie Wonder and so much more, this band is sure to keep you entertained. Raffles are often held for CDs, posters and other items. If you are lucky enough to be in attendance during a special occasion, you will probably get to try a delicious cupcake or piece of cake made by Arturo’s wife Patty Amezola, owner of Tupsy Cakes.
Having kicked off the start of summer by opening the Tijuana Jazz and Blues Festival on Memorial Day Weekend, they’ll be appearing at the 6th Tijuana Rock Fest on July 17-19, and the 4th Annual Baja Blues Fest 2015 on August 21-23, and at Baja Sand on August 30 at the Rosarito Pier.
They also play all along the coast in Rosarito on weekends and every Thursday 10 PM in Tijuana at La Maria Cantina on the corner of 7th and Revolution Ave., diagonally across from Tia Juana Tillie’s.
Check the schedule on Facebook at Hola Soy Lola – Blues Band or join the Facebook group Rosarito Living for updates.