‘the eight directions of the wind’ Listening Session Three: Los Tigres del Norte, “Vivan Los Mojados”

Each session features a hi-fi sound system and a single-key vinyl recording—with accompanying physical liner notes—that tie the exhibition to musical histories and communities across Los Angeles and invite listeners to dive deeper into the historical contexts of each selection.     

Session three focuses on a 1977 album by Los Tigres Del Norte, one of the most prominent bands in the norteño genre, based in San Jose, California. Formed by the Hernandez brothers, the band is known for singing corridos. These Mexican narrative folk ballads tell stories about everything from daily life to outlaws. The album’s title and title track, “Vivan Los Mojados” subvert a slur intended to insult Mexican immigrants who journey across the United States-Mexico border seeking a better life by honoring their struggles and contributions in song. 

The event will feature Carlos y Charlos, a beloved norteño trio from Los Angeles County, who will perform and take part in a conversation about the album. Formed in 2014, they perform corridos, rancheras, polkas, waltzes, boleros, and redovas at all types of cultural events in Southern California, as well as at backyard celebrations, weddings, and quinceañeras.  

Curated by exhibition creative director and music scholar