Los Dells: A Place for Latin Music in the Midwest

About a year ago, I was scrolling through my Twitter feed when an article of interest appeared suddenly. It was about Los Dells, a newly formed Latin music festival. I had always wanted to go to Lollapalooza and Pitchfork someday, but Los Dells caught my music festival eye in a different sort of way. All my life, I kept tabs on Latin artists. From repeating tracks off of Shakira’s Laundry Service in my basement at four years old to intently listening to Latin Pop radio in the backseat of a minivan, música Latina was something I enjoyed from a young age. The problem was that no one outside of family that I knew played that sort of music.Talk to any Midwesterner, and chances are, they've heard of the Wisconsin Dells. It boasts some of the States' best waterparks, facilities for family-friendly fun, and an extensive ensemble of hotels. The Dells are the place to be if you’re a pre-teen looking for a fun destination spring break. Compared to the immense presence of the Wisconsin Dells, Los Dells is relatively unknown. My colleagues, friends, and family alike were unaware of the festival's existence. Boasting a star-studded 2017 lineup hosting talents like Maná, Daddy Yankee, and Prince Royce, it was surprising that the festival had not gained the traction to be a household name its first year.With Latin hits like "Despacito" leaking into the mainstream, it isn't a surprising time for a music festival like Los Dells to be formed. Not only do they have their finger on the pulse of Latin music's popularity in the US, but the festival also has aspirations far beyond even that. According to their website, "Los Dells...is the first major Latin Music & Arts Festival in the Midwest and soon to be North America's largest Latin Music Festival."This year Los Dells brings back big-name artists such as Zion y Lennox, Wisin y Yandel, and Latin Trap sensation Bad Bunny. Up-and-coming artists haven't been forgotten on the lineup either: Mau y Ricky, Cuco, Trinidad Cardona, and Karol G are all scheduled to perform. Located in Mauston, Wisconsin, this two-day, two-stage festival is sure to be one to remember as it grows steadily each year. I’ll be covering this year's event on behalf of Pizza FM and I can’t wait to experience it firsthand. Ticket information can be found on the Los Dells website: https://www.losdells.com