Las Cruces, NM – On this edition of PUENTES, bridges to the community, host Emily Guerra met with two lowrider owners, Imperials Car Club member, Eddie Rodriguez, and Good Times Car Club member, Jesse Paredes. They will be part of the Doña Ana Arts Council “Dale Gas!” (Step on it!) Concert & Car Show on Friday, June22nd at the DAAC Arts & Cultural Center.
Lowriders got their start in Southern California in the early part of post-World War II. By the early 70’s they made their way to New Mexico, and are now throughout the United States, as well as Japan and Korea. Lowrider vehicles are more than a custom car club, they are a way of life for Rodriguez and Paredes. Both have entered their vehicles in several car shows and know the extremely minute details by which their cars are judged.
A Lowrider photo exhibit from the New Mexico State History Museum archives is on loan at the Doña Ana Arts Council Arts & Cultural Center on through the 25th with a reception on June 9th from 4-7pm during the 10-10 Arts Hop. The celebration – “Dale Gas” will honor the lowrider culture with a car show, music and dance on Friday evening, June 22nd from 5:30 to 10:30 with the NMSU DanceSport Team and Jarabe Mexicano Cumbia Band at the Arts & Cultural Center, 1740 Calle de Mercado in Mesilla. Two local lowrider car clubs, The Imperials and The Good Times Car Club, will exhibit 15 lowrider cars and bikes. Airbrush artist, Luis Navarro, will also be available with his art. Tickets and information are available at www.daarts.org and on Facebook.