BY ALEXA LIMA
Mariachi was made to move people. Southwestern College’s legendary groups did just that, rocking the PAC and electrifying those fortunate enough to have a ticket.
SC’s world-renowned Mariachi Garibaldi and Mariachi Ensemble blazed though a sold out concert and reminded a dazzled audience why they are invited by heads of state to play around the globe.
Directed by Dr. Jeff Nevin, Celebrando El Mariachi honored the late composer Ruben Fuentes, the former director of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, and legendary Jose Jimenez of the golden era of mariachi bands. It was the first mariachi performance since the pandemic and could probably have sold out the San Diego Sports Arena.
Mariachi is a traditional musical genre that originated in Mexico. It developed on small ranches and towns from states like Jalisco, Zacatecas, Michoacán and Aguascalientes. A small ensemble typically features four or more performers who sing and play traditional folk music instruments, including a high-pitched, five-string guitar called a vihuela, a bass guitar called the guitarrón, violins and trumpets.
Nevin led three levels of mariachi groups, though even the beginner group sounded like pros. “El Tilingo Lingo” was the opener as the sharply dressed newbies rocked traditional charro black outfits with a red bow. They were a bit nervous but more than solid with great vocals nailing “YAndale,” “Una Pagina,” “Mas Fallaste Corazón,” “Los Laureles” y “El Garabato.” A spirited rendition of the 1907 standard “Chaparrita De Mi Vida” assured the audience that the next generation of Southwestern mariachistas is nearly ready for promotion.
Nevin’s intermediates elevated “Son Del Ausente” with beautiful violins and soaring voices. Highlights were “Mujeres Divinas,” “Como Quien Pierde Una Estrella,” “Que Murmuren” “Moti os, Yo Quiero Ser” and “Tecalitleco.”
Mariachi Garibaldi lived up to its reputation as America’s best collegiate Mariachi. Its virtuosity was immediately apparent on the opener “La Noche y Tu,” and soared like an eagle on a summer breeze through “No Te Detengas,” “El Pecador y Amor” and “Mas Amor” which Nevin dedicated to his wife.
And there was a very special guest. Well-known Mexican singer-composer Mario Mata performed “Tomados De Las Manos,” which he has performed with Ruben Fuentes and Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. He said it was an honor to perform with Mariachi Garibaldi and Nevin.
“Es un estupendo maestro, que apoya a sus alumnos,” he said. “Es un orgullo y honor estar aquí y presentar con mis compañeros, exponiendo la música de mariachi a la comunidad.”
Nevin announced that Mariachi Garibaldi will rehearse with Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlan for a performance at the The Mariachi Scholarship Foundation’s 2023 San Diego International Mariachi Summit Gala Concert on July 14 at the Balboa Theater.
Mariachi Garibaldi remains one of Southwestern College’s most renowned programs and a source of pride in the community. Its performance served as the headlining act for Southwestern’s first real year back for COVID and all the disruptions it wrought. All seems right with the world.
