UCPAC marks Hispanic Heritage Month with a screening of “La Bamba” in 35mm.

Starring Lou Diamond Phillips as Richie Valens, “La Bamba” tells the story of the brief life of the young American Chicano star who influenced Latino rockers like Carlos Santana and Los Lobos. Valens is best known for his rock n’ roll adaption of the classic Mexican folk song “La Bomba.”

The film’s cast includes Esai Morales, Rosanna DeSoto, Elizabeth Peña, Danielle von Zerneck, and Joe Pantoliano. Musicians of note seen in “La Bamba” include Brian Setzer as Eddie Cochran, Marshall Crenshaw as Buddy Holly, and Los Lobos, who performed all of Valens’ songs in the movie at Valens’ family’s request. Other cameos in the film include Connie Valenzuela, Richie Valens’ mother.

At just 17 years old, Valens sadly passed away in a 1959 plane crash that also took the lives of Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and the pilot, Roger Peterson. The incident was the inspiration for singer/songwriter Don McClean’s 70s classic “American Pie” and became known as “the day the music died,” but the songs Valens left behind will live forever.

Join us on UCPAC’s Main Stage after “La Bamba” for a dance party celebrating Valens’ music and other Latin rock and pop hits by the artists he inspired!

This screening of “La Bamba” (Rated PG-13) is part of UCPAC’s Third Thursdays 35mm & Classic Film Series. UCPAC’s Third Thursdays events offer themed drinks, photo ops, and other surprises. Get your tickets today!