Nothing could be more festive this time of year than an authentic mariachi band. Not just any mariachi band, but Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano. The premiere band of its kind makes its George Mason University Center of Arts debut Sunday with “Fiesta Navidad,” a program typical of traditional Christmas celebrations in Mexico since the 19th century. The Los Angeles-based band was founded 50 years ago by Natividad “Nati” Cano to celebrate Mexico’s distinctive music dating back to the 16th century. Along the way, it has earned Grammy Awards, performed and recorded with Linda Ronstadt, cut highly acclaimed albums and recently produced an instructional DVD with Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.
Jesus “Chuy” Guzman explains that each of the 10 members is expert on at least two instruments, himself the trumpet and violin. “In addition to four violins and two trumpets, our authentic Spanish instruments include a harp, guitars, a five-string guitar called a vihuela and a six-string bass guitar known as a guitarron,” he explained. “All our members come from mariachi families. Each is highly trained to read music, sing and perform expertly. Many young people today who aspire to join a mariachi band know that they must study music seriously. Because it’s important for us to give what we have to young people, I’ve been teaching children aged 8 to 16 in L.A. for the past 19 years.
| Onstage |
| ‘Fiesta Navidad’ |
| Where: George Mason University Center for the Arts |
| When: 4 p.m. Sunday. Pre-performance discussion begins at 3:15 p.m. in the Grand Tier III. |
| Info: $23 to $46 (youth through 12th grade half-price with adult); 888-945-2468; cfa.gmu.edu |
“There are many different styles of mariachi music. It originated with the Spanish caballeros who brought the guitar and other European instruments to Mexico. The slaves who followed brought their own instruments and rhythms that influence the sound. Today we perform with symphony orchestras around the world. I write our music and then give it to our arranger in Guadalajara who orchestrates it.”
Mariachi Los Camperos has introduced the mariachi band tradition to the world during tours that have taken the group to the White House and across continents to far-flung concert halls. In addition to many television appearances, including “The Tonight Show,” the band was in the 2008 film “Sex and the City.” Wherever these musicians perform, they are attired in elaborately embroidered, custom-made outfits featuring short jackets, tight pants, riding boots and enormous sombreros.
“I want the Center for the Arts audience to discover our special flavor through authentic mariachi Christmas music,” Guzman says. “Nothing makes us happier than seeing the audience clapping and laughing together.”
