The Mariachi Christmas will return to New Mexico Tech’s Macey Center on Dec. 18.
Photo courtesy of NMPAS

 

SOCORRO – The grinch of COVID-19 canceled a favorite holiday event last year. But this year Mariachi Christmas returns to New Mexico Tech’s Macey Center stage. The Performing Arts Series concert is set for Saturday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m.

The sights and sounds of traditional Mexican holiday season offer a lively and colorful performance which will delight people of all ages. “This is a great way to embrace the season and appreciate one of the most beautiful traditions of our Mexican neighbors and families,” said Ronna Kalish, PAS director.

This year’s program features Mariachi Aztlán and Ballet Folklórico from the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. The 18-member Mariachi Aztlán includes violins, guitars, trumpets and harp as well as a guitarrón and a vihuela. Mariachi Aztlán consists of dynamic and musically outstanding members, evidenced by an extensive repertoire offering fresh, creative and innovative ideas while maintaining the traditional integrity of the genre, according to Norberta Fresquez, long-time producer of this holiday extravaganza.

Under the direction of Francisco Loera, UTRGV has earned the distinction as the most outstanding University Mariachi Program in the nation. He has taken groups to play at the White House for President Barack Obama in 2010 and to open for the first Mariachi Opera, with performances in Chicago and various Texas venues.

Ballet Folklórico is comprised of university students pursuing degrees in a variety of subjects. Led by Miguel Peña, UTRGV Artistic Director, the group also has won numerous awards including national recognition at the biennial National College Dance Festival held at the JFK Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.

A Felicidades PAS Social Hour precedes the show at 6 p.m., with traditional posole, bisquechitos and cash bar. Tickets for the social hour are $10 per person or $5 for NM Tech students.

Tickets for the concert are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $5 for students. Tickets are available at nmt.edu/pas. Masks are required and attendees must provide contact tracing information. All are asked to self-assess for health before attending.

The show also will be live streamed on the PAS Facebook and YouTube pages, with links to those through the PAS website, nmt.edu/pas.

Sponsors this year are EMRTC, Presbyterian-Socorro General Hospital, El Defensor Chieftain and First State Bank.

For more information, visit nmt.edu/pas, email [email protected] or call 575-835-5688.

NM Tech Performing Arts Series