Jesse & Joy's NYC Tour: 'On the Right Side of History' with Pro-Immigrant Message and Mariachis

Jesse & Joy Launch Their El Despecho World Tour with a Memorable Performance in New York

Jesse & Joy kicked off their global tour, El Despecho, on Saturday, August 16, with a sold-out concert at the Brooklyn Paramount theater in New York City. The event was a celebration of their music and a heartfelt reunion with fans who had been waiting since March 2022 for the duo to return to the city.

The Mexican pop duo, made up of siblings Joy and Jesse Huerta, captivated a multigenerational and predominantly Latino audience with a setlist that included some of their most iconic tracks such as "Si Te Vas," "Me Soltaste," "¡Corre!," and "Espacio Sideral." Fans sang along enthusiastically throughout the entire show, showing their deep connection to the duo’s music.

Joy appeared on stage wearing a vibrant orange three-piece outfit, while Jesse sported a white suit adorned with red fire-shaped accents. Their performance was not just a musical journey but also an emotional one, as they shared personal stories and moments that resonated deeply with the crowd.

Midway through the concert, the duo surprised the audience by bringing out a group called Mariachi Aventurero NY to perform a ranchera medley alongside Joy. The medley featured songs like Marco Antonio Solís' "Si No Te Hubieras Ido," Juan Gabriel's "Caray," and the classic "Volver, Volver" popularized by Vicente Fernández.

Following the performance, Joy introduced their 2015 hit "Un Besito Más," a song she and Jesse wrote in memory of their late father. During her performance, Joy shared how the song helped them cope with grief and also provided comfort to others experiencing different forms of loss.

"I'll never forget when someone told me, 'My dad is still alive, but he was deported,'" Joy said, struggling to hold back tears. "Ever since then, my brother and I have been very clear that wherever we have a microphone, we have a voice."

She continued, "We will always stand with our people, but above all, we will stand on the right side of history. We want you to know that we are with you, that we are part of you, and that as long as we have a microphone, we will raise our voices."

A Reflection of Bicultural Identity and Social Issues

Jesse & Joy's El Despecho Tour follows the release of their latest album, Lo Que Nos Faltó Decir, which was released in May. The album showcases a diverse range of sounds that reflect their bicultural upbringing between Mexico and the U.S., including pop, regional Mexican music, singer-songwriter styles, and soul.

This tour also comes at a time when Joy is gaining recognition for her work as a co-writer of the songs for the Broadway musical Real Women Have Curves. The show, set in East L.A. in 1987, tells the story of a daughter of immigrants caught between her dreams of going to college and her responsibility to care for her undocumented family. This theme has taken on new relevance amid current immigration policies.

Joy expressed her thoughts on the ongoing issues in an interview, stating, "Something that's really affected me with this story is that all these issues that were happening in the '80s are still happening today, and you would think ‘No, it's 2025, so many things have changed, it should be easier,' and it's not."

She added, "I have dual citizenship, I feel very privileged, but it is very difficult for those who are going to live right now in this new change of government."

Upcoming Shows and Continued Impact

Jesse & Joy are set to continue their tour with performances in Washington, D.C., Cleveland, Toronto, and Fresno, Calif. The tour will span over 40 dates across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, keeping the duo on the road until early 2026.

Their performances not only highlight their musical talent but also serve as a platform for social commentary and advocacy. Through their music and public statements, Jesse & Joy continue to use their voices to support their community and address important societal issues.