VATOS Y VICLAS: EVOLUTION OF THEE VICLA
JOIN US ON THE LOWER LEVEL!
Vatos Y Viclas: A Cultural Revolution on Two Wheels
A longtime EXPO staple, Vatos Y Viclas Publication is taking over the entire lower level of the National Western Complex. This year, they're diving deep into the vibrant cultura of Colorado, from the classic lowrider scene to the globally recognized VICLA movement.
A Legacy of Lowrider and VICLA Culture
Since its inception in 2006, Vatos Y Viclas has been at the forefront of the lowrider and VICLA culture. What began as a small calendar project has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon, captivating audiences from the streets of East LA to the international stage.
Denver, a city rich in Chicano heritage, has been a major player in this cultural movement. From the iconic Crusade for Justice to the modern-day resurgence of lowrider and VICLA culture, Denver has always been a hub for innovation and expression.
Evolution of the VICLA: A Cultural Showcase
This year's Colorado Motorcycle Expo, in partnership with Vatos Y Viclas, presents the Evolution of the VICLA. This immersive exhibit will explore the roots of the VICLA movement, from its origins in the Chicano cruising scene to its global impact.
Key highlights of the exhibit include:
-
A Tribute to Denver's Chicano Heritage: A nod to the city's rich history and the ongoing fight for cultural representation.
-
A Community Altar: Honoring loved ones lost, including EXPO legend Larry Ortiz of Ortiz Custom Cycles.
-
A Showcase of Lowrider Vehicles: A dazzling display of iconic lowrider cars and motorcycles.
-
A Curated Selection of Vendors: Offering unique apparel, parts, and accessories.
-
Live Music Performances: Featuring Denver's own Bezo, along with Southern California's Micayla Rivera and Cota The Barber.
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to experience the Evolution of the VICLA and immerse yourself in the heart of Chicano culture.
Micayla Rivera
Micayla Rivera is a 22-year-old soul singer from Southern California whose distinctive voice is quickly making waves in the music world. Fusing classic soul with a contemporary edge, Micayla’s sound is both timeless and fresh. Inspired by legendary artists like Barbara Mason, Etta James, and Linda Jones, she brings a rare depth and vulnerability to every performance. Her breakout tracks, such as the sultry “Nobody Knows” and the introspective “Told You So” featuring Baby Bash, showcase her unique ability to blend raw emotion with powerful vocal delivery. As an emerging artist, Micayla’s live performances are a reflection of her growing artistry, full of passion, strength, and the kind of authenticity that connects deeply with her audience. Don’t miss the chance to experience this rising star in concert—she’s an artist you’ll want to hear and remember.
Don’t miss your chance to see Micayla Rivera on the Vicla Stage on the Lower Level on Saturday at 3:00pm!
Cota The Barber
Appearances can be deceiving – consider Cota, a big guy with an even bigger beard, prominent tattoos and a physically imposing presence. The impression changes when he begins to sing with a smooth angelic vocal tone that is reminiscent of the R&B greats who have influenced his artistry.
The singer, songwriter and guitarist has opened shows for both classic soul artists and hard-edged hip-hop creators like The Game and Tyga. Once audiences get over their initial surprise, they invariably appreciate the purity of his approach. “They don’t expect this voice to come out of me,” laughs Cota. “It freaks them out.”
He comes by this sound naturally. Both his grandfather and his father were musicians in his hometown of Moorpark, CA. “As a little boy I was drawn to the guitar,” Cota remembers. “My grandpa started teaching me traditional Mexican songs. I don’t speak the best Spanish, but those songs stuck with me.”
He remembers Sunday mornings at home, when his dad would listen to the radio. “I’d wake up hearing oldies, my mom cooking and cleaning, ironing getting ready for church.” He sang in the choir for services, and also at school. “Music was everything,” he says.
In addition to being musicians, his family has a long lineage as barbers. Married, with four kids, Cota cultivated his own tonsorial skills. “I was raised if you have kids you’ve got to take care of them. I became a barber, perfected my craft and made good money,” he says.
With the passing of his grandfather and his father, Cota was inspired to devote more time to his music. He began posting on social media, guesting with other artists, and performing at bigger shows. When he opened for the legendary Baby Bash, the two linked up and Bash affiliated him with the Silent Giant Entertainment family through his label, BashTown Recordings. They also collaborated on a track titled “Show Off,” that Cota describes as “A high confidence song.”
While audiences now know him for his music, he is also sometimes recognized with shouts of “Cota the Barber!” He says it’s almost like an alias, as he notes the similarities between his two endeavors. “I get the same feeling when I record, or when people enjoy my music when I’m performing, as I do when I show someone the mirror after their haircut. They smile, and the vibe is crazy.”
Don’t miss your chance to see Cota the Barber on the Vicla Stage on the Lower Level on Saturday at 4:00pm!
Bezo
Finesse involves the unique ability to maneuver seamlessly around people or objects in a smooth manner. It's the refinement of performance, execution, and artisanship. Breakout music sensation Bezo personifies finesse. He is an acclaimed singer, engineer, producer and trendsetter. He's a musical Tour De Force. Bezo's sound is an eclectic fusion of Pop, Hip Hop and R&B. He grew up in Denver, CO into a family of musicians. Equally important, his musical inspirations include Kendrick Lamar, Ty Dolla $ign, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana and Blink 182.
With an infectious thirst for music knowledge and dedication to quality, making music is not a clichéd “dream” for Bezo; it’s a chosen path. His endless imagination combined with an abundance of ingenuity ensures a future of ambitious creations from this dynamic singer/songwriter. He's an artist who pushes boundaries to defy traditional pre-conceived notions of what music is. Bezo has impressed a myriad of music industry insiders with his well-executed versatility. His energetic drive and outgoing personality enabled him to work with artists like Young Thug, Gunna, Polo G, and Sevyn Streeter as a producer/engineer.
Bezo is the Next To Blow. The buzz is growing, the anticipation is thrilling, and the momentum is rising. We invite you to stand up and witness something truly magnificent! Respect his grind and join the movement.
Don't miss your chance to see Bezo live on the Vicla Stage on the lower level on Saturday at 2:00pm!
Plus a Kick-Ass After Party! Click HERE for More Info.
