The 34th Mariachi USA festival, celebrated this past Saturday, was a true testament that the tradition is here to stay. Thousands filled the legendary Hollywood Bowl to celebrate culture, music and a sense of a family reunion is evident in every aspect of the celebration.

Rodri J. Rodriguez, founder of Mariachi USA has her eyes and her heart not only on next year when she promises a “big celebration” to commemorate the 35th edition of the largest mariachi festival in the United States. Rodriguez has worked tirelessly to keep the tradition of Mariachi USA alive for generations to come. “Si se puede is a great thing to say, but doing it and making things happen is another.”

The openers of this year’s festivities, 3 high school mariachi bands. “They are the future of Mariachi USA. When I’m no longer here, they will be singing on this stage,” said Rodriguez as she introduced the young artists.

Empowerment is something Rodriguez takes at heart; thus, women have a space on stage and this year the female power was present with Mariachi Las Catrinas and Mariachi Lindas Mexicanas. A sense of pride for Rodriguez was when she introduced both mariachi bands on one stage performing, “El Cascabel“. “One of my favorite songs,” Rodriguez said as she walked off stage.

It’s a beautiful scene to see generations of families flocking to the Hollywood Bowl, and people from different cultures embracing Mexican music. Many set up formal dining tables on box seats, others share food as they sing and dance with strangers.

After five hours of mariachi and a spectacular finale with all mariachi bands congregated on stage singing “Viva Mexico,” fans can be heard singing on their way to the parking lots.

A large family was riding the shuttle to the East LA location, one of them was already looking for tickets for next year, and another one shouted, “Wait for a code, we should try to get box tickets next year.”

A sign that Mariachi USA is here to stay for generations to come, a vision Rodriguez has had even when no one believed a mariachi festival could sell.

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This family-friendly music festival is perfect for people of all ages. Food Trucks will be selling a wide variety of foods, including Mexican, ice cream, burgers, vegan and more. The festival will also feature a free arts and crafts area, piñata making, a Lotería (bingo) with prizes and a kid’s playground.

Councilmember Gilbert Cedillo said, “Music is a universal language that knows no bounds.  Music has the power to entertain, move and transform human beings and their lives. It is my distinct pleasure to provide my fellow Angelinos our FREE 6th Annual Latin Jazz & Music Festival for the enjoyment of families throughout the Southland.  All are welcome at this wonderful two-day fun-filled Festival.”

The Latin Jazz and Music Festival’s Artistic Director, José Rizo, and host of the radio program, “Jazz on the Latin Side” on KJAZZ 88.1 FM, said:  “We have a stellar line-up of talent for this year’s Festival, which will be hosted by Erik Chico Manqueros on Saturday, October 5th and hosted by Norka Regalado on Sunday, October 6th.  From Cold Duck, celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year, to La Santa Cecilia, Vilma Diaz y La Sonora Dinamita, Boogaloo Assassins, Francisco Torres Latin Jazz Ensemble, Andy Vargas & Souleros, and Selenamos, we have two full days of great entertainment which will get the crowds dancing.”

Saturday, October 5, 2019, Line-Up of Performers:

• 11:05 a.m.:    HOLA Youth Ensemble
• 12:00 p.m.:    Bravo High School Latin Jazz Band
• 1:15 p.m.:      Cold Duck (now celebrating their 50th Anniversary)
• 2:55 p.m.:      Little Willie G
• 4:25 p.m.:      Francisco Torres Latin Jazz Ensemble
• 5:55 p.m.:      Andy Vargas & Souleros
• 7:25 p.m.:      Boogaloo Assassins

Sunday, October 6, 2019, All-Female Line-Up of Performers:

• 11:45 a.m.:     Susie Hansen Latin Band
• 12:50 p.m.:     Las Chikas
•  2:00 p.m.:     Trish Toledo
•  3:10 p.m.:     Selenamos
•  4:25 p.m.:     CAVA
•  5:45 p.m.:     Vilma Diaz y La Sonora Dinamita
•  7:15 p.m.:     La Santa Cecilia

For more information about the festival, call (213) 473-7001.

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