Jose Hernandez and his band, Mariachi Sol de Mexico, have taken
mariachi music to a higher level, which Hernandez said, has given
those of Mexican descent a lot of pride.
Mariachi music began as music of the peasants in Mexico, Hernandez
said.
"Many people thought mariachi music was just party music," he
said. "But today when Mexican people see a group with classical
trained musicians, it gives the music more dignity and respect. It
makes them feel a lot of pride and gives us as musicians a lot of
pride."
The group will perform Sunday at the Starlight Bowl in Burbank.
Under Hernandez' leadership, the band has created its own sound by
combining classical with pop, jazz, swing and Broadway tunes.
Made up of 14 instruments, there are three trumpets, seven
violins, vihuela -- a small rhythm guitar, regular acoustic guitar
and a Mexican harp. There is also a guitarron, an acoustic Mexican
bass string instrument that is plucked in octaves, which means the
musician plays two strings at the same time.
Hernandez is a fifth-generation mariachi musician. His five
brothers, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and
great-great-grandfather all followed the same profession.
"My main instrument is the trumpet, but I play violin and all the
other instruments and arrange all the music we play," he said.
The group has the distinction of being the first mariachi group to
be nominated for a Grammy, and was the first mariachi group to
perform in North Korea. They have five CDs that are available in the
popular record stores.
A ballet folklorico group will perform with the band in a tribute
to several different states of Mexico.
"The show will be a wonderful sharing of music and culture of the
Mexican people," he said.
The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. and gates open at 5:30 for
picnicking. Tickets are $5 and $3 for children 4 to 12 and seniors 60
and older. Parking is $2. The Starlight Bowl is at 1249 Lockheed View
Drive in Burbank. For more information, call 525-3721.
SPECIAL EVENTS
COLONY'S 'CHARLIE BROWN' OPENS THIS WEEKEND
The Colony Theatre Company opens its second production of its
"Season of Discovery" tonight with the Los Angeles premiere of the
revised Broadway version of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown."
Book, music and lyrics are by Clark Gesner with a revised book and
new songs by Andrew Lippa. It is directed by Ovation and Garland
Award-winner Todd Nielsen.
Barbara Beckley, producing director of the Colony Theatre, said
the company is thrilled to be doing the revised and re-imagined
