For people of Mexican descent, mariachi music is synonymous with milestones such as weddings, birthday parties, funerals or maybe just Saturday-morning chores. The genre, which originated in the 18th century in the western state of Jalisco, has morphed into one of Mexico’s most beloved styles of music that is now popular worldwide. In California, more high schools and colleges such as San Jose State have added mariachi music programs. Mariachi San Jose, an ensemble of college students, joins us in studio for a special live performance ahead of the Fourth Annual Fiesta del Mariachi. We’ll talk about mariachi’s growing popularity and the local ensembles that keep the genre strumming in the Bay.

Guests:

José R. Torres-Ramos, assistant professor of ethnomusicology, San Jose State University; director, Mariachi San Jose

Debra Barrera, violin, Mariachi San Jose

Anthony Cera, trumpet, Mariachi San Jose

Abril Dorado, violin, Mariachi San Jose

Jorge Dovalina, vihuela, Mariachi San Jose

Thomas Hernández, harp, Mariachi San Jose

Cameron Samayoa, guitarrón, Mariachi San Jose

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