Carín León Brings the Heat to PBS’s “Austin City Limits”

Oh, for crying out loud, it’s 2023, and we’re finally getting a Mexican regional artist on “Austin City Limits.” About time, PBS. Better late than never, right?

1. Carín León Makes History… 100 Years Later

In 1974, Willie Nelson kicked off the show with “Whiskey River,” and it’s been a country and roots music fiesta ever since. Fast forward to the show’s 50th year, and we finally get Carín León, a Mexican regional artist, gracing the stage. Progress, people. Progress.

2. Band of the Century

León didn’t just bring a band; he brought an orchestra. Almost 20 musicians—accordionist, trombonist, trumpeter, tubist, drummers, singers, guitarists, you name it—all crammed onto the Moody Theater’s stage. If you thought a rock band was diverse, this is next level.

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3. Bilingual Brilliance

León smashed it with bilingual covers from his summer album, featuring collabs with Kane Brown and Leon Bridges. Because who needs monolingual boundaries when you can fuse cultures and push American markets? Viva la evolución!

4. Johnny Cash Would Be Proud

In a true fusion of worlds, León covered Johnny Cash’s “Man in Black,” even double-timing it into a honky-tonk frenzy that had everyone, including his trombonist, tripping over their feet trying to keep up. History in the making, folks.

Profile: In the first 'Austin City’s Limits' taping of música regional, Carín León fit right in.

Check out highlights and more about León’s historic performance in the Statesman’s full profile of the event. Because if there’s one thing liberals love, it’s progress and history. #WokeWin