La Raza (2019)

flute and violin, 9’

with Teresita Lozano

A video-performance of music and words inspired by the 1981 police riot on the Chicano community and the Denver community pool (now destroyed) at La Raza Park, Denver. Featuring the kiosko of the park with mural by artist David Garcia, where the pool once lay. Texts from historical interviews and traditional songs.

Composed by Nathan Hall with Teresita Lozano. Performed by Teresita Lozano, flute and voice, and Lolis Tafoya, violin.

Made possible in part by a grant from Denver Music Advancement Fund.

La Raza Park was formerly “officially” known as Columbus Park, and after decades of requests and rejections to the city for a name change by local residents, the Northside’s “La Raza Park” became official in December 2020.

Videography and audio: John Roberts, Dustmite Films. Stills and outtakes below from Nathan Hall.