The Clark State Performing Arts Center (PAC) continues its 30th Anniversary season with a diverse line-up of performances including A Mariachi Christmas on November 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Dating back to at least the 18th century, mariachi developed in the western Mexico countryside. In the 20th century, it transformed from a rural folk tradition to a popular urban style with professional bands like the famed Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán gaining national and even international fame. As the ever-evolving genre’s influence spread, it reached Chicago and birthed the Mariachi Herencia de México.
“We are thrilled to bring Mariachi Herencia de México to Springfield,” said Dan Hunt, general manager of the PAC. “Presenting authentic mariachi music may be a first for the Performing Arts Center, and it is well overdue. So, if you are looking for a fresh way to celebrate the holiday season, look no further, The Mariachi Christmas Show!”
Audiences can expect to hear an assortment of mariachi versions of well-known American holiday classics like “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “White Christmas,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” intermingled with some Spanish-language offerings.
The energetic, virtuosic Latin GRAMMY-nominated group has issued chart-topping albums and performed across the North American continent. Nuestra Herencia, their 2017 debut album, topped the Latin streaming charts.
“Mariachi is such a versatile genre that you can make mostly any song into a mariachi arrangement, and it works so well to the ears,” said musical director Marco A. Villela, who arranged most of the songs on the program. “There’s a market for it, and people really enjoy that.”
2018’s Herencia de la Tierra Mía was produced by celebrated industry veteran Javier Limón and charted atop all major streaming services. 2019’s Esencia topped industry charts, while a second volume, issued in 2020 performed similarly. In 2022, Herederos appeared as the group were performing a wildly successful North American tour.
Tickets for A Mariachi Christmas range from $25 - $45. Concert date is Tuesday, November 28 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at pac.clarkstate.edu/shows or by calling 937.328.3874.