Palomazo Music Fest - Resistance Through Music

On June 14th, we hosted our first annual Palomazo Music Festival, and two weeks later, we’re still riding the high. The music, the decorations, the people—it all came together in a way that felt powerful and deeply needed.

The crowd showed up ready. They danced, sang, and caught up with their friends and neighbors. DJ Samurai Eddy spun cumbias throughout the night, keeping everyone moving and connected between sets. Jose Cano, a local musician, drummer, and producer, held it down as the MC—guiding the crowd from one band to the next.

The festival was more than just music—it was a full-on sensory experience. Guests walked under giant cardboard headphones, past a flying Richie Valens-inspired guitar, a larger-than-life accordion, grounded music notes, and a bold sign above the main stage that read Pipiripau Presents Palomazo Music Fest—all handcrafted with cardboard and papel maché.

But beneath all the joy, there was also a heaviness in the air. ICE raids were happening in and around the community. Families were nervous. Tension was real. Yet people still came. They showed up not just to celebrate—but to cope, connect, and stand together.

Oxnard Mayor Luis McArthur acknowledged that reality directly during his remarks, reminding us why community spaces like Palomazo matter—places where we can gather, reflect, and keep pushing forward.

Mariachi Quinto Sol inaugurated the fest with an emotional, grounding set. Grupo Monitor brought cumbia and rock en español that lit up the crowd. Maria Sanchez and the Midnight Groove added smooth funk and soul vibes. Giselle Woo and the Night Owls delivered soulful, chicano desert-infused rock. And Los Xiqueños closed out the night with a nostalgic blend of Chicano folk, oldies, and 90s rock.

The night ended with an all-band palomazo (a jam session) with musicians from different cities and sounds sharing one stage at the same time. It was unity, pure and unscripted.

Palomazo Music Fest wasn’t just a festival. It was a reminder of who we are. A reclaiming of joy in the face of fear. A moment of release, resistance, and celebration—all at once.

Big thanks to ALL our sponsors including Premier Physical Therapy and Medallion Protective Services, and everyone who continues to believe in what we’re building at Pipiripau.

The next chapter in that journey continues this fall, in the heart of Oxnard for our 3rd annual Panteón Fest Celebrating Día de los Muertos on Saturday, October 11th, 2025.

More details coming soon at www.PanteonFest.com