By R. Nicanor Santana
Don Mariachi, SAC’s ensemble, will suit up to perform more than 15 classics at Phillips Hall on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
The ensemble was formed about 20 years ago with only six members and now consists of 15 students playing traditional mariachi instruments like trumpets, violins, guitars and a guitarron.
Each song features a different vocalist from the band. Guitarist Adrian Arias, who sings La Bikina, has been playing for 10 years.
“Mariachi makes me proud to be Mexican,” Arias said.
Mariachi’s roots date back to the arrival of Hernan Cortez in Mexico in 1519 and had evolved to its current form by the 19th century in Jalisco.
The styles differ regionally by state, but the genre gained a devoted following both in Mexico and the U.S.
Mariachi has cultural significance to Mexicans with its references to love, pride and loss.
The music has been incorporated into weddings, funerals and other celebrations such as quinceneras.
The lively Balet Folklorico Mexicanisimo will perform traditional Mexican dances from Guerrero, Jalisco and Zacatecas with Don Mariachi backing them up.
Mariachi Los Santos from Santa Ana High School and Los Zacatecos from El Centro Cultural de Mexico are also performing.
General admission is $15, $9.99 for SAC and SCC students, $12 for staff and seniors and children under 14 are $5.
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