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Mariachi Music in our Community

Las Cruces – October 29, 2012 – On this edition of PUENTES, Emily Guerra takes a look at Mariachi music in the community with KRWG’S Underwriting coordinator, and Co-director of a local group, Mariachi Real de Chihuahua, Marcus Royo.  With nearly 20 years of Mariachi music experience, Royo draws inspiration from the music’s history.

Mariachi music has a remarkable historical background, dating back to when the Spaniards were first settling in Mexico and were busy trying to convert native people to Christianity.  The Spaniards had difficulties connecting with them, and discovered at some point that music was a way to bridge the gap between the two cultures. They were able to combine the native rhythms and instruments with their European instruments and became the base for the Mariachi music we have today.

Two years ago, in the Las Cruces Sun News, Royo published his research document “Las Cruces Mariachis: History and Evolution.” With passion for mariachi music, he has been involved with the Las Cruces International Mariachi Conference since it started.

This year the 19th Annual Las Cruces International Mariachi Conference will take place on November 14th through the November 18th at the NMSU Pan American Center, with the Student Showcase on Friday, November 16th; the Spectacular Concert on Saturday, with featured vocalist, Ezequiel Pena; Los Colibris and Mariachi Cobre; and the Mariachi Mass on Sunday. For more information, visit lascrucesmariachi dot org.