‘Heritage and history’
Mariachi Spectacular celebrates Mexican musical form
Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque is a beacon of Mexican heritage and history.
Music and dance workshops led by some of the best of the best are offered to local and out-of-state youths on Wednesday, July 10, through July 12.
“An ensemble of mariachi is going to consist of harp, violin, guitar, guitarrón — which is like bass — trumpet, vocals, they have literally instructors in each of these areas at beginner, intermediate, advanced and master level,” said Peter Sanchez, CEO of the Atrisco Companies.
Similar events are held in larger cities, but the maestros and instructors that are part of Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque set it apart from the rest.
“We really work hard in locating those kind of teachers, and also it helps a lot if they are iconic members of the industry,” Sanchez said. “We have a number of (students) that continue to return because there are those iconic names like Rigoberto Alfaro, who has composed so many songs for so many Mexican entertainers, like Vicente Fernández. They’re very well-known in their industry, and they’re very good at being instructors. They’re iconic so it draws the interest of the kids. … This genre is rather humble, where the top performers in their business are
willing to do this. They’re very interested that the heritage and the history continue so they do these things.”
Students get to show off their talent and what they have learned during two showcases that are free to the public. The ballet folklorico showcase will be held on Thursday, July 11, at Kiva Auditorium. The Mariachi Showcase concert will be held on July 12 at Civic Plaza. The overall winner will open the Mariachi Spectacular Concert on July 13 at Sandia Resort & Casino Amphitheater.
“This year’s Spectacular concert is headlined by what the industry considers the queen of mariachi, Aida Cuevas,” Sanchez said. “She’s a Latin Grammy and American Grammy Award winner. In addition to that, we have Mariachi Juvenil Tecalitlan, which is the younger group, a very successful group out of Mexico City. We also have an all-female group, Mariachi Nuevo Mujer 2000.”