By Miguel Nicolas
One tough thing about being the world’s best collegiate mariachi is that expectations can run sky high – el cielo high.
Mariachi Garibaldi soared to the occasion.
In a memorable concert celebrating its 25th anniversary, el mariachi de los jaguars dazzled a sold out audience in the PAC with the same blend of beautiful ballads and stabbing brass huapangos that has earned fans in Australia, Russia, China, Brazil, India, Egypt, Peru and the music’s birthplace of Guadalajara.
Four floral dancers glided through the steps made famous in Jalisco as Mariachi Garibaldi strolled on to the stage. As its opening number built, the dancers twirled as wind-tossed bouquets of flowers, quickening the heartbeats of the audience and transporting members to a steamy summer evening in the heartland of Madre Mexico. Clapping was thunderous and brass flashed like lightning as the musical storm approached from the south, pushing in like a tropical wind.
“La fiesta ya empezo” was indeed an invitation to get the party started. Musicians initiated the clapping and stomping, and the audience was all too happy to join in. Mariachi Garibaldi was back and the fun began.
Director Dr. Jeff Nevin let everyone catch their breath while he introduced newly minted music degree recipient Victor Viberos for a gentle take on “Jurame.” Viberos’ passionate interpretation and powerful delivery were transcendent and earned a standing ovation from the clearly moved audience as it shouted “Otra! Otra!”
Highlights were everywhere, but classics like “El Mariachi,” “Tren,” “Cielo Lindo,” “Cien Años” and “Por un amor” stood out. Pedro Infante, the old caballero troubadour, would approve from his spot in el cielo lindo. The audience certainly did, roaring its approval like a throng at a diez y sies de septiembre celebration of Padre Hidalgo’s grito.
Southwestern’s beginning and intermediate mariachis opened the show, which is reminiscent of Stevie Wonder or Peter Tosh opening for the Rolling Stones. Excellence begets excellence. Shelle Blue killed it on “Nuestro Juramente” and Lalo Guerrero would have been mighty pleased with the evergreen “Canción mexicana,” sweet as summer corn sprinkled with testy habanero.
Nevin showed a clip of Mariachi Garibaldi from Russian television performing in Vladivostok as well as a series of short videos of gigs from around the globe. Southwestern College’s gift to the world was home again on la tierra Chula Vista, the holy ground of mariachi americano.
Mariachi has planted its flag at the corner of Otay Lakes Road and East H Street like the blues has on Highway 61. Mariachi Garibaldi’s first 25 years were legend. Its next 25 look to be even better.
