Axelrad Concert Series hosted the WEPA! Latino Music Dance Party in the upstairs room of Axelrad Beer Garden on Saturday, February 24, 2018 in Houston, Texas. The exclamation “wepa!” is usually yelled in the Latino culture, and is used as a form of celebration and approval.
On a rain soaked yet pleasant Saturday night, the dance floor was packed as party goers danced the night away to Salsa, Baile Funk, Spanish Trap, Cumbia, Tropical Bass and more. Resident DJ Act Badd went back to back with special guest DJ iLL-Set for an eclectic and energetic playlist of classic tropical sounds blended with modern remixes and rhythms.
The night also served as a single release party for Colombian artist Jefferson D’Lion, who himself encompasses a diversity of influences, melding Afro-genres with Tropical, Caribbean, and Latin Dance sounds with an urban touch. The name of the single is “La La La”, which was joyously accepted by the crowd. Last year, Jefferson also released his “Baila (Ritmo No Paré)” EP through Bombón Music.
The night was reflective of the awesome diversity of the city, with attendees repping Colombia, El Salvador, Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and more, but always staying true to Houston.
The WEPA! Dance Party is part of a new wave of underground events in Houston that brings together many cultures and genres with a focus on music and collaboration. It is a testament to showcase quality nightlife events without the need for bottle service, VIP booths, strict and discriminatory dress codes, or cover charge.
The players of this movement include WEPA!, Bombón Texas, Blackout HTX, Wonky Power, Bounce & Turn TX, Open Source, and Yeah, Houston Parties! Each of these crews are setting trends in the city and are helping each other grow beyond just weekly or monthly parties, and have attracted the support of a variety of artists, venues, and brands. They are at the forefront of the growing and multifaceted nightlife culture that is pushing the limits of entertainment in Houston.
