San Jose's Lunada — When Talent Meets Tradition

Lunada from DE BUG on Vimeo.

"Lunada" is like "moonism" in Spanish. Here in San Jose, it has become a word to describe the eclectic showcase of poets and musicians on the night of a full moon.

Many years ago, the Lunada was a tradition here in San Jose before it was moved to San Francisco and Berkeley by Marc Pinate. At that time, Pinate got the idea for Lunadas from Teresa Sanchez, owner of San Jose-based restaurant Chacho’s. According to Pinate, “[Sanchez] used to go to them as a kid in Mexico,” where Lunadas have been practiced for hundreds of years. Pinate held Lunadas at Chacho's for four years before he made his move north.

San Jose has not seen a Lunada in over 10 years. Recently, one was organized at the De-Bug Community Center.

Brooke D. began the Lunada with the assistance of Laxman, a San Jose drummer. His performance throughout the night can only be described as the pulse of the show — with an incredible array of beats and sounds — and you would never guess he was only using a box and cymbals. But it was more than that, it was like an ancient energy that you could feel originating from that man's soul through his hands to the instruments and then into our ears and minds. For me, this was a real treat because I had known him since I was like 14 and haven't seen him jam out for a couple of years.

The Lunada brought together San Jose's independent music scene under one small roof. A mesh of folks sang to hip hop. Free Fall, a San Jose underground hip hop group, did some of their songs in acapella — a rare thing in hip hop because you can actually tune into the lyrics and really understand the artists. Listening to them perform, you would understand that these guys are lyrical wordsmiths, gifted with the gab and twisted with the tongue.

Then the room was filled with the immense heartfelt sounds of Miss Jessica Johnson. Watching Jessica perform for me was like watching this beautiful marble statue slowly come to life with each word that came out of her lips. Each word become more intense, each word filling the room with such a soulful beauty that you could just close your eyes and let the sounds carry you through her song.

"Poets don't write poetry," said local poet and Lunada performer Alex Torres. His moving performance was also an explanation of the art and the craft. Also performing was an old friend of mine Enoch Lira. The only thing I can say about Enoch's poem is that it made me think about my dad and the hard work and sacrifices he made as a laborer so I wouldn't have to be one. Thank you, my friend!

After a brief intermission and snacks provided by my gracious brother, the open mic opened up — or should I say blew up — starting with Matt G., whose guitar work was extraordinary. Troy's performance would make Jack Johnson retire and his cover of Blood Roses by Tori Amos accompanied by Laxman was off the chain. And bringing down the house was the frantic chaotic complex compositions of one man named Spinach. He nailed it. No one could have closed the show as well as his performance rocked the mic and our membranes.

The performances that ranged from poetry to singing to emceeing from all types of people was amazing. And that concluded an epic first Lunada in San Jose in 2010. The talent was immense, the crowd was great, the venue was intimate and it is a "must" to try to host this Mexican ritual every full moon.