Latin rhythms, especially those of reggaeton, trap and some Spanish pop have taken off in the past we few years. It now goes beyond the worldwide popularity of the song “Despacito,” and into the appreciation for the culture and of course, the music, by Latinos and non-latinos alike.
Damon Rey, the curator of Los Dells Festival, billed the first major multi-day and multi-genre Latin music and arts festival in the Midwest, said they confirmed that last year, when “artists and people showed their excitement to be a part a (music festival) that is very unique to the United States and very meaningful,” he said. For that reason, Los Dells carried on to year two.
On their inaugural festival last year on Labor Day weekend —featuring Mexican pop-rock band Maná, reggaetón giants Daddy Yankee and Nicky Jam and regional Mexican group Los Tucanes de Tijuana— more than 30,000 people attended the event at Woodside Ranch in Mauston, WI.
Given the response to the first-ever festival of its kind the Midwest, and at the lack of a Latin music festival of the level of a Coachella or Lollapalooza in the United States, Damon Zumwalt decided to create Los Dells to fill that gap and to celebrate the Latinx community, their and culture, said organizers.
“We saw the need for it from the Latino community, which is very underserved in the Midwest, and we created it,” said Damon Zumwalt, founder of the festival in an interview last year.
This year, they hope to make it a “better version of the festival,” explained Rey, and added that they strive to make Los Dells, America’s largest Latin music festival.
The essence and mission of the festival continue to be same, but with more attention to details to continue improving the festival and the experience of the festivalgoer, he said. The goal is to offer Latin music from diverse genres that ultimately bring people from different backgrounds, within the Latinos community and non-alike, together, Rey added.
With Los Dells, just around the corner, retaking place this upcoming Labor Day weekend from Sept. 1-2, the excitement is in the air and expectations are high. Ticket sales reflect a slight increase compare to last year, Rey said.
“Delleros, as we call our festgoers, seem excited and ready what Los Dells year two will be,” Rey commented.
The biggest challenge, he said, was to top the lineup of their first festival, and this year “it’s a better lineup, it’s just a different lineup” he said. Adding that unlike last years, they’ve now added a series of top rock bands, alt. Rock and some salsa.
This year the top acts include Latin trap star Bad Bunny, Puerto Rican reggaeton artists Wisin & Yandel, who are back to performing after their hiatus and will have their first concert in the Midwest since 2013, according to a press release from the festival organizers. Banda Ms and La Original Banda El Limon will add a regional Mexican touch to the festival, and the top Mexican rock bands El Tri and Molotov will also be a part of the second edition of Los Dells.
Singer Victor Manuelle is expected to be the festival’s salsa star this year.
And the although some rain is expected this upcoming weekend, Los Dells is on rain or shine, organizers confirmed.
“We are excited Los Dells year two happen, we feel that we are very much a reflection of our audience, and as much planning and curating that we do, the festival is really dictated by our audience, because they are the one that actually breath life and give life to the festival,” Red added.
Everything you need to know about Los Dells
Saturday, Sept. 1 lineup: Wisin & Yandel, Flo Rida, El Tri, Zion & Lennox, La Original Banda El Limon, Paty Cantú, Cuco, Mau y Ricky, Boombox Cartel, Porter, Chiquis Rivera, Omar Linx, Flor de Toloache, Trinidad Cardona, Sharlene, Sonido Gallo Negro.
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Sunday, Sept. 2 lineup: Banda MS, Bad Bunny, Victor Manuelle, Karol G, Molotov, Aterciopelados, Eliades Ochoa of Buena Vista Social Club, Haragán y Cía, Monsieur Períné, Gabriel Garzón-Montano, Omar Apollo, Jesse Baez, Little Jesus, Mint Field.
There will various activities and experiences offered at the festival grounds, including a kid-friendly area. Different food and drink vendors will be available.
Camping
This year there will be two designated areas for those who decide to camp out. One will be strictly for those who want to rest and relax after the festival and another area will serve as an “afterparty.”
There will be some activities and games available for those who camp out.
