Mariachis take the Big Stage-Tex Mex Festival
The women of Mariachi Sonido de Mexico deliver an elegant performance
By Linda Gross
The afternoon winds and storm clouds kept many away from yesterdays full venue which included performances by three exceptional mariachi bands from both Phoenix and Tucson. But for those who braved the weather, the line up of mariachi bands delivered an full day of exceptional performances by three of the region’s best mariachi bands.
Mariachi music which stems from the 18th Century, typically includes violins, trumpets, an acoustic guitar and a vihuela (a high-pitched, five string guitar), a guitarron (large acoustic bass).
Libby stands in front of MariachiMexico Nuevo as they serenade her with a birthday song!
The Band Mariachi Mexico Nuevo from Phoenix took the stage first and warmed up the weather by at least 10degrees as their music floated across the field and filled the air. And they entertained the crowd by dedicating several songs to those in attendance including Libby Bracomonte, who was there with daughter Marissa and grandson celebrating her birthday…and, of course serving up great food (Libby’s El Rey).
The group calling themselves, Mariachi Sonido de Mexico from Tucson, then took the stage around 4, just as the sun broke through the clouds. The nine-piece band included an incredible string line up and tight vocals.
The addition of women to the stage is relatively new occurring sometime in the 50′s, and wasn’t always well-received according to an article done Laura Sobrino on the history of Women in Mariachi music. But by the ’90s women were showing up on stage in increasing numbers and today many mariachi bands are evenly balanced between men and women, with some all-women mariachi bands.
Listen to Mariachi Sonido de Mexico…and you’ll know why.
The interplay between male and female voices, strings and trumpets, acoustic and bass is part of the joy of what we hear in mariachi
Globe Vice Mayor, Carmen Casillas talks to a member of Mariachi Sol Azteca before they take the stage
The last Mariachi band to take the stage on Friday was Mariach Sol Azteca, also from Tucson. The group delivered an outstanding performance led by the trumpet sounds of band member Jesse Rojas and Monique Grijalva and the full sound of 9 professional musicians.
Note: You will get to see them play today if you missed them yesterday.
Mariach Sol Azteca will take the stage at 2:30 pm. Don’t miss it!
The band Tierra took the stage briefly for a sound check before beginning their performance for the evening. By then, a crowd had begun to gather, enjoy the setting sun, the sounds of LATINO floating across the open skies.
To see more photographs of the individual performances, check out GMT FB
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