The Godfather of Espaol

With a documentary of this extravaganza slated for release next year, the El Vez phenomenon seems to be on the rise. But Lopez is philosophical about his success. "Elvis--and even El Vez, for that matter--are very universal things," he says. "People can superimpose their own stuff, their own personal experiences over El Vez. One of my favorite stories was when I was in Berlin and these two Turkish kids came and told me, 'We love your song "Immigration Time." That song is about us.' Even though my songs are usually based on a Southern California viewpoint, these Turkish kids were able to apply the song to their own situation--immigrating from Turkey to Germany.

"In a way, they were proud to be walking away Mexican," he says. "Even though they weren't."

El Vez, with Paul Galaxy and the Galactix. 9 p.m. Saturday, December 12, Bluebird Theater, 3317 East Colfax, $10, 303-329-6353.