The Ugly Little Monkeys documentary recounts the story of a cultural phenomena, the first student mariachi group in the US, Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson created in 1964 by an Irish Catholic priest.  It is the story of the music they played, the magic they experienced, the pain they endured and the ultimate triumph of their spirit, told in this documentary as they near the group’s 60 anniversary later this year.

The enduring legacy of Los Changuitos Feos began with a group of high school boys whose lives would change forever through the mariachi music they played and the cultural Mexican pride they felt, to become the start of the student Mariachi movement which has since spread across America.

The documentary traces the untold story of almost 60 years of a legacy that would ignite a pride wave as these young kids embraced their Mexican-American culture and learned to love Mariachi music.

Ugly Little Monkeys the documentary, co-directed by David Valdez, a native of Tucson Arizona, and actor/writer and producer Enrique Castillo. It is a heartwarming and triumphant tribute to America’s first youth mariachi group, celebrating resilience and cultural pride with masterful storytelling!

The documentary takes us on a historical journey from delving into where the idea of forming Los Changuitos Feos came from. It was the brainchild Father Charles H. Rourke, who had been an accomplished jazz pianist and had shared the stage with greats like Sarah Vaughn and Duke Ellington before becoming a priest.

As a priest of the Catholic church in the ‘60’s, Father Rourke had a passion for assisting in the positive development of at-risk youth, hosting a radio program dedicated to youth awareness.  When he was introduced to Mariachi music he fell in love with it and hit on the idea of using the form to recruit young men to start a youth Mariachi group. His charm was intoxicating and he was welcomed into the Mexican/American homes with a status reserved only for those deserving the highest reverence.

As the David Ruiz, labeled in the documentary as the “Original Changuito Feo” because it was Ruiz Father Rourke reached out to be the first a of the members of the group, recounts in the documentary, the group had to learn to play the instruments, learn the songs in Spanish (which many did not speak), how to play the instruments in some cases, and learn about “stage presence” from Father Rourke.  The initial group consisted of 5 guitars, one vihuelas, one trumpet, one violin and one guitarrón.

Throughout the years Los Changuitos Feos achieved national recognition following performances at the inaugurations for Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford and for the play and Mayor Richard J. Daly of Chicago and recorded with Herb Albert. They performed at Universal City with the group eventually rising to international fame performing on the CBS special the Mission and the The Mariachi and represented the US in Mexico. 

Co-director and executive producer Valdez, a native of Tucson and very familiar with Los Changuitos Feos (he even tried out for the group as a young boy) was given a copy of a book, Bless Me Father for You Have Sinned written my one of the original member of Los Changuitos Feos, Wilfred Arvizu 

When Valdez approached his good friend, actor/writer Enrique Castillo about a possible movie based on the book, they decided that the voice of the original Changuitos had to be heard first and Valdez and Castillo decided to co-direct and co-produce the documentary which is inspired by Arvizu’s book. They began the research and with an outline of the script written by Castillo in 2019.   

One of the first and the most important tasks was to reach out to the original living Chanquitos.  Over 50 years had passed and they had all taken different paths since leaving the group after high school.  Two of  them went on to form their own mariachi group, Mariachi Cobre, which has been playing at Disney’s Epcot center for over 40 years.  The other members were spread out across America, went on to become a doctor, a state senator, a senior staff engineer who helped launch the Hubble, a Kempo Karate Master, a Hall of Fame recording artist, a Vietnam veteran and many other illustrious careers.

Nineteen original members from different generations of Chanquitos agreed to meet up in Tucson for a taped reunion.  It was an emotional rollercoaster for all of them, especially having to recount on camera their experiences being a Changiotos Feo, as well as participating in group interviews.

The interviews with the original Chanquitos are the heart of the documentary, supported by archival footage, news clippings, interviews with family members, and civic leaders.  Additional interviews of some of the greats in music like native Tucsonan and 11 time Grammy winner Linda Ronstadt and Ruben Fuentes, a revered classical violinist and composer known for his work with Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán his work with Linda Ronstadt‘s Canciones de mi Padre.

While the visibility and popularity of the Changuitos grew, Father Rourke’s immoral conduct began to surface: alcoholism, questioning of his faith, chronic absences at performances and even worse. In spite of the dark experiences the young men were forced to contend with they assumed leadership roles and persevered. Through their love for and dedication to Mariachi music Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson became world-renowned. 

“After having met many of the early members of Los Changuitos Feos, it’s easy to see how the group became so successful. They’re dedicated individuals who inspire with their accomplishments even after having left the group”, Castillo recalls. “It has also been a real pleasure seeing them be totally supportive of each other and watching them joyously interacting and cavorting as they did when they were young.”

Another legacy shared by the members of the Changuitos is the spread of Mariachi programs across the U.S. The spread of youth mariachi groups has grown exponentially in U.S. public schools over the past 30 years, from just a handful of programs in a few states to more than 500 today

It has been five and a half years in the making and the filmmakers of the documentary Ugly Little Monkeys has begun the journey of sharing the untold story of how a group of kids found their music and shared it with millions and continue to do so. 

The first screening was a benefit screening in the Changuitos hometown of Tucson, Arizona. The filmmakers wanted to honor the legacy of Los Changuitos Feos and all the proceeds went to support the continuation of the work of this groundbreaking group.  This past March audiences gathered at the history downtown FOX theater to fill the 1,164 seat to witness, not only a slice of Tucson history in all its splendor, but also the uncomfortable truths they never knew the young boys had to endure.  

“The five-and-a-half-year production journey has been quite long, exciting, challenging and gratifying, “ said Valdez, whose knowledge of the story started with his father Joel Valdez, who served as one time as Tucson City Manager and a board member of Los Changuitos Feos.  “I’m extremely thankful to all of the original members of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, for entrusting Enrique and I with their personal stories and giving us permission to share them on the big screen.”

The goal of the production was always to tell the untold story about a group of mostly Mexican-American youth which garnered international visibility and are a part of American history. They decided to offer fundraising screening to organizations, universities and schools that would benefit youth mariachi groups. The screening fall into the co-directors goal to bring  social accountability to the work they do through their Ugly Little Monkeys Production company. 

The documentary continues its fundraising screenings in Los Angeles on March 16, 2024 at Plaza de La Raza.  Plaza’s commitment to offering classes in music and arts programming since 1970 in East Los Angeles was the perfect choice. Proceeds for the fundraising screening will benefit Plaza’s Student Mariachi Ensemble, who will play at the reception prior to the screening. 

“I feel we accomplished our goal by ultimately giving credit back to those who were truly responsible for creating the first youth mariachi in the U.S. and helping start the youth mariachi movement that we’re all witnessing today,” Valdez adds.  “I’m extremely proud of my Mexican heritage and having the freedom and opportunity to share our beautiful stories with the world.” 

Ugly Little Monkeys is executive producer by Edward James Olmos, Marcia Grand & Justin Krienbrink.

There will be a Q&A after the screening with co-directors Valdez and Castillo.  They will be joined by Wilfred Arvizu the author of Bless Me Father for You Have Sinned and a former member of Los Changuitos Feos.  

Tickets are still available.  For info email:  info@latinheat.com

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In the 1960s a youth mariachi group started a movement credited with taking the Mexican music genre to a new level of popularity in the United States and which can still be felt today. A crowdfunding campaign is now raising money for a documentary film about Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson and a dark secret that almost destroyed the lives of the band’s children at the hands of a Catholic priest.

Five decades in the making, Ugly Little Monkeys is based on the book Bless Me Father for You Have Sinned, written by original musical group member Wilfred Arvizu. The author self-published the book in 2014 on the group’s 50th anniversary detailing the sexual abuse that Father Charles Rourke subjected the members of the band for years before he was removed in 1969. 

Ugly Little Monkeys is executive produced by David E. Valdez (Rita of the Sky) which he also co-directs with award-winning actor Enrique Castillo (Weeds, Blood In Blood Out) who is also producing. Former-CNN journalist Thelma Don Gutiérrez is writer/producer and associate producer Tina Huerta.

Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson are considered the first youth mariachi group in the U.S. The band’s name was chosen by Father Rourke and, although controversial, remains after 50 plus years and achieved national recognition following performances at the inaugurations for Presidents Nixon and Ford. The group eventually rose to international fame. But the ugly and traumatic secret of abuse by the alcoholic priest weighed heavily on the lives of band members way into their adulthood.  Throughout the years of music, and the magic they created they were able to surpass the pain and triumph.

However, according to the doc’s filmmakers, the mariachi members’ faith and faith in each other helped the young men overcome the pain they suffered at the hands of their spiritual and musical leader. Some rose above it all and became successful men, musicians, and community leaders. Three of the “Changos”, Randy & Steve Carillo, and Mac Ruiz went on to found Mariachi Cobre which has played for over 37 years at Epcot Center in Disneyworld in Orlando. Jerry Gay grew went on to become an engineer working at Lockheed Martin who gave him the opportunity to help design, build, and launch the NASA Hubble Space Telescope. Gilbert Velez, among other things, became the highest-ranking 9^th degree Black Belt in the world under the IKKA Organization and also became a world-class martial artist.

Making the documentary is personal for Valdez. “We just knew we had to tell this story the only way we knew how,” he says. His father, Joel Valdez was one of the founding Los Changuitos Feos board members. “What started off as a biopic concept turned into a documentary after interviewing several original members of the group as part of our initial research for the film.” The group earned international acclaim, according to Valdez, its success sets off the world-renowned Mariachi Youth Movement that still thrives today.

Castillo says he understands how the youth mariachi became a trailblazer. “After having met many of the early members of Los Changuitos Feos, it’s easy to see how the group became so successful,” he recalls. “They’re dedicated individuals who inspire with their accomplishments even after having left the group. It has also been a real pleasure seeing them be totally supportive of each other and watching them joyously interacting and cavorting as they did when they were young.”

The filmmakers aim at raising the final monies for the project which is already 50 percent complete and features interviews with legendary singer Linda Ronstadt, a Tucson native. The goal is to raise $50,000 via the crowdfunding platform Seed & Spark. “We have some great incentives for our supporters who donate at least $25 or more,” says Huerta, the co-writer who also serves as associate producer. “We need support so that we may continue to tell these stories that educate, inspire and share our beautiful culture and musical legacy.”

For Don Gutierrez, the mariachi’s story is close to her heart. “This project is very important to me, especially because I was born and raised in Tucson, where Los Changuitos were our hometown heroes,” she says. “It’s time their story was told.”

Those interested in donating can visit: www.seedandspark.com/fund/ugly-little-monkeys-los-changuitos-feos-de-tucson.

Featured Photo: ‘Ugly Little Monkeys’ filmmaker David E. Valdez (Credit: Courtesy)

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Tickets on sale May 13, 2021

Los Angeles, — MARIACHI USA, the Hollywood Bowl’s spectacular Mariachi extravaganza is back on Sunday August 22, 2021. Creator, producer and host Rodri J. Rodriguez is excited to welcome fans back to this in-person event. The 32nd annual MARIACHI USA festival is the longest running, paid Latino event in the US. Tickets go on sale on May 13, 2021 at www.mariachiusa.com.

“We are beyond excited to return to the Hollywood Bowl after the difficult year we’ve all endured. We have missed our fans as much as they’ve missed us and we can’t wait to celebrate with them again with a phenomenal show and traditional finale fireworks show by Pyrospectacular,” said Rodriguez.

MARIACHI USA, the second largest running show at the Hollywood Bowl. Music is the universal language that has the power to unite people from all walks of life and mariachi music is no exception. MARIACHI USA’s legacy is one that honors culture and tradition while transcending generations, language and borders. It’s truly an event for the entire familia.

“We are working closely with officials at the LA County Department of Public Health and our friends at Kaiser Permanente on a reopening plan that includes distancing procedures, mask policy, contactless ticketing, and cleaning and sanitation schedules, among other safety protocols. In the coming weeks, we will share more with you about what to expect from a visit to the Bowl this summer and the policies and procedures designed for the safety of our guests. We will also continue to review our safety protocols throughout the season to ensure that they follow the latest public health guidance,” said Hollywood Bowl spokesperson Sophie Jefferies.

Tickets can also be purchased at the You can also Purchase at the Hollywood Bowl, located at 2301 Highland Avenue in the corazon of Hollywood, California.

You can also Purchase at theThe Hollywood Bowl is located at 2301 Highland Avenue in the corazon of Hollywood, California.

For preferred seating, tickets and more information, please visit: www.mariachiusa.com.

Follow MARIACHI USA on social media:

Facebook – @MARIACHIUSA

Instagram – @MARIACHIUSA

Twitter – @MARIACHIUSA

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The Hecho en México concert, inspired by the award-winning album of the same title, will play in nearly 20 cities in the U.S. including Reno, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, Houston, Chicago, Boston, New York, Miami and Los Angeles.

A Latin Grammy winner, Fernandez has sold more than 35 million records worldwide and scored number-ones on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums in each of the past four decades, including his latest work Hecho en México. This album debuted at number one on Billboard’s Top Latin Album chart and marked the singer’s return to the mariachi format. It also earned him a Latin Grammy for Best Ranchera/Mariachi Album, the fourth award he has received from the Latin Recording Academy. The album also won Fernandez a Grammy nomination for Best Regional Mexican Music Album. 

Hecho en México has produced four consecutives number one radio hits in the U.S. and Mexico with “Caballero,” “Te Olvidé,” “Decepciones” and his current single “Duele” featuring the also Latin Grammy winner Christian Nodal.

As live touring shut down in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Fernández got involved in raising awareness about health and other causes. He partnered up with Univision’s Dr. Juan Rivera to share vital information about health and COVID-19 on TV and social media. He also helped raise funds for the artist community impacted financially by the coronavirus crisis. Fernández released a rendition of singer/songwriter Joan Sebastian’s classic song “Eso y Más,” using the proceeds to help out-of-work musicians. He donated 100 percent of the proceeds to MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund in the U.S and MúsicaMéxico COVID-19 in Mexico.

In October 2020, the singer lived streamed his concert América a Una Sola Voz (America Together in One Voice), which was reportedly viewed by more than 150,000 fans in 19 different countries in the Americas. With the U.S. presidential elections around the corner, in the show Fernandez reminded his fans of the importance of voting. He also joined a coalition of artists for the “Vota Por Nosotros” (Vote For Us) get-out-the-vote campaign airing on Estrella Media. 

In accepting his Latin Grammy last November, the singer dedicated the award to the victims of recent hurricanes in southern Mexico and donated one million Mexican pesos, about $50,000, to the Mexican Red Cross to help with the relief efforts. Most recently, Fernandez joined Mana’s lead singer Fher Olvera as the face of the “We Are Home” campaign calling for humane immigration reform for the millions of Latino immigrants living in the U.S.

Fernandez’s U.S. concert is presented by Live Nation Entertainment. Opening for Fernandez will be the American Latin pop duo Ha*Ash integrated by the sisters Ashley Grace and Hanna Nicole Pérez. Tickets are already on sale.

Featured Photo: Alejandro Fernández (Credit: Bernardo García)

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The historic tradition of mariachi music has roots in Mexico, especially Guadalajara and Mexico City, places where the festive folk style lives since the glory days of the mid-1900s.  Today, the future of the mariachi genre may rest in the hands of a young, dynamic ensemble from Chicago, IL, Mariachi Herencia de México.

This mariachi comes from an unlikely source: a four-year-old ensemble that started as a student group in Chicago Public Schools and is mostly composed of teenagers between 14 and 18. Their debut CD four years ago was nominated for a Latin GRAMMY®.

This group of young Mexican-American musicians released their fourth studio album Esencia, Vol. 2, May 29, 2020. The new album features 18 musicians on 13 classic songs, with arrangements by GRAMMY® award-winning composer and musical director Rigoberto Alfaro; It’s a collection of classics from the Mexican songbook.

Recording an album with 18 musicians during a pandemic presented a special challenge. Mariachi instruments are usually recorded by section, but on this album, each young musician was recorded individually. Alfaro was unable to travel to Chicago to be in the studio with the group, due to COVID-19. However, sixteen-year old trumpet player and singer Marco A. Villela stepped-in as musical director.

One of the most important outcomes of Mariachi Herencia’s collaborations with Alfaro is how much the kids and Marco learn from each other. At such a young age, Marco has demonstrated an understanding of music at a more in-depth level. He closely studied Alfaro’s arrangements, developing an ear for his unique rhythms and harmonies. Marco has already begun to compose music for the group on his own.

Sixteen-year-old violinist and singer Karla de la Cerda says the goal of the Esencia albums is to record classic Mexican songs with a fresh and progressive quality while staying true to the original sound that made these songs so popular before.

“We’re teenagers and we feel a responsibility to share these songs with our own generation, so they’re not lost. These songs are part of our culture, our history, and it’s our job to make sure they’re not forgotten. One of my favorites is Amor Eterno. There are so many different versions of this Juan Gabriel classic, but our version has a modern and elegant twist to it.”

Esencia, Vol. 2 includes very special collaborations with two famous mariachis, Mariachi Cobre and Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. Mariachi Cobre is vocally featured on Cuando México Canta, while Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán is vocally featured on Vamos a Darnos Tiempo.

The album also includes other songs from the Mexican Songbook to Ranchera standards, including México Lindo y Querido, Los Laureles, and Si Nos Dejan.

Facebook: MariachiHerMex Instagram: @MariachiHerMex

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Alejandro Fernández joins forces for a masterful duet alongside his father, Don Vicente Fernández, in celebration of Father’s Day, to premiere the new video for their song Mentí (I Lied). 

Mentí is one of the most celebrated songs on Alejandro’s 100% mariachi album, Hecho en México. It debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Latin Album and Regional Mexican Album charts in the United States and Puerto Rico, in addition to debuting at #1 on the sales chart in Mexico. This is the seventh album of Alejandro’s career to top this list.

In years before, both father and son have performed and recorded songs together. Now, Mentí highlights the legendary musical legacy and bond of the Fernandez family.

With Mentí, Alejandro Fernández pays tribute to his roots as a global ambassador of Mexican music, while honoring the man who paved the way for his prolific musical career, the King of Mariachi, Don Vicente Fernández.

Don Vicente, who is affectivity known as “Chente” and “El Rey de la Música Ranchera (The King of Ranchera Music), is one of the top Mexican music and film icons of all time. Starting his career in the 1960’s, this award-winning artist has sold over 50 million albums worldwide, becoming one of Mexico’s best-selling artist of all time. Throughout his career he has collaborated with a variety of Mexican and American music icons, including Lola Betran, Lucha Villa, Jose Jose, Vikki Carr and Tony Bennett.

Acting in over 30 films, Don Vincente made a name for himself in Mexico’s popular time period westerns and musicals, such as La Ley Del Monte (Law of the Land) and El Hijo del Pueblo (Son of the People). Though he retired from acting, touring and live performances, Don Vincente continues to record and publish music.   

Alejandro, “El Potrillo” (The Colt), followed in his father’s footsteps, by pursuing a career in music. His first singing performance with an audience, was with Don Vicente in 1976, as a small child. Now, popular in his own right, Alejandro has sold over 30 million albums.

While Alejandro is beloved for his mariachi and ranchera music, he has successfully branched into Mexican folk, Latin pop, and Mexican pop music. Alejandro’s impressive duet catalog includes Joan Sebastian, Julio Iglesias, Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé, and Rod Stewart. According to Billboard, “Alejandro Fernández is the first artist to reach the #1 spot on the Top Latin Albums list for four decades: 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2020”.

This premiere, in celebration of Father’s Day, is accompanied by an animated video which takes us back to the films of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema, commemorating the unique relationship and unshakeable bond that exists between father and son, and the undeniable chemistry that defines the relationship between Don Vicente and Alejandro.

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