Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles

August 7, 2010

Time(s): 8:00 p.m.
Location: Balloon Park | Map & Directions
Free Admission, Parking $10

The mark of success of ensmble Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles – the first all-woman professional mariachi ensemble in the United States – is that they are now no longer the only all-woman professional mariachi ensemble in the United States. But Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles remains the premier such group, the artists who broke gender barriers while charming their audiences with enchanting and skillful renditions of mariachi favorites.

Under the direction of mariachi maestro José Hernandez (of Mariachi Sol de México) and with the graceful mentorship of the great ranchera singer Lola Beltran, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles began in 1994. Says Hernandez, of his decision to launch the all-women band: “I knew there were enough excellent female musicians to do it, and I didn’t want the guys to say, ‘They play like girls.’ Now guys from other groups come up to me and tell me that they can’t get over how these girls sound so amazing. It’s because they sound like angels, and that’s why they are named after the City of Angels.”

“I actually didn’t choose mariachi at all – my dad chose it for me!” says mariachi Laura Pena. “He is a second generation mariachi and he wanted us to learn mariachi music as well… and I am proud to say that we worked hard to get where we are today.” Ms Pena is also proud of Mariachi Reyna’s groundbreaking role, especially when “at concert after concert the young girls come up to us and say that one day they will follow our footsteps and become a Reyna as well.”

Mariachi Reyna has released three albums, Solo Tuyo (Yours Only), El Mejor Mariachi Feminino del Mundo (The Best Female Mariachi in the World) and Compañeras, which was nominated for both Grammy and Latin Grammy awards. They tour internationally and have enjoyed high-profile performances (and high-profile audiences) at the White House, at the Latin Grammys and at John Travolta’s 50th birthday party. Official Website

Comedy Corner Line-up

Comedy Corner features local stand-up comedians performing outside the Hangar Café at 7:00 p.m. before each Saturday night concert.

Headliner: Patrick Keane (Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson)
Special Guest(s): Eddie Barojas (Opened for Louie Anderson, David Spade), Tim Chizmar (Last Call with Carson Daly, Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader)