As fans chanted her name Saturday in anticipation of her New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival debut, Mexican pop star Paulina Rubio strutted on stage wielding an electric guitar and sporting tight black shorts, tall black boots and red sunglasses. “There are a lot of Latin American singers, but not many of this caliber are from Mexico,” said Nancy Alonzo, a Mexican-born fan who moved to New Orleans five years ago. “It means a lot to us that she's here.” The massive crowd erupted as Rubio hit the stage and began to perform hit after hit in Spanish. Some in the crowd wore sombreros and shook maracas. Many danced, gyrated and took pictures as Rubio sang various songs, the lyrics of which roughly translate to: “Give me another tequila,” ‘'I will do it for you,” and “I want you more each time.” In honor of Cinco de Mayo, which celebrates Mexican heritage and pride, the festival sought to book Rubio and other Latin acts, including Rumba Buena and The Pedrito Martinez Group. A mariachi band performed in an area of the festival grounds where Latin American arts and crafts like handmade Brazilian drums, paintings and sculptures were on display. As Honduran-born New Orleans artist Scarlett Alamiz demonstrated how to make a pinata, she said she was excited that Rubio was at Jazz Fest. “She's our Britney Spears,” Alamiz gushed. “We're so happy she's here.”
