Gil Sperry

TBD

Mariachi 101

Gil Sperry is a modern-day Renaissance man who delights in entertaining and informing audiences through both the spoken and the written word. He has lectured internationally on subjects ranging from the pragmatic methods for dealing with our energy crisis to the esoterica of how to properly shoot free throws. His first book, “Mariachi for Gringos,” originally released in late 2006 and about to be printed in its Third Edition, is the basis for a television series currently under development. Presentations on ‘Mexico’s macho music’ have been given at colleges/universities, on-board cruise ships, at public libraries, on NPR, and at prestigious retail/book stores across the nation. He has emceed several major mariachi festivals in the United States and, as international interest in the genre has grown, recently been contacted about appearing at a mariachi festival in Japan.

His second book, “Soccer’s Story & A Futbol Fable,” released in 2009, was recently adapted into a screenplay (“The Beautiful Game, A Beautiful Season”) by two veteran Hollywood screenwriters, Steven R Gehrke and Robert Condor. It was the winner of the 2009 International Latino Book Award presented by Latino Literacy Now and the Latino Books into Movies award in 2010.

His third book, “Mariachi for Gringos II,” a sequel to his first book, was introduced at The 4th Annual Tucson Festival of Books held at the University of Arizona earlier this year (2011). All the information about it can be accessed by clicking onto the link: www.mariachiforgringosII.com

Sperry lives in Baja California with his wife, Priscilla, where they enjoy the Mexican lifestyle. food, and music. He is an Official Goodwill Ambassador for Rosarito Beach where he is the founder of the city’s Annual International Mariachi and Folklorico Festival. All net proceeds from this endeavor go to benefit the construction and operation of the local Boys and Girls Club.

He is a graduate of Ohio’s Kenyon College and also holds an M.A. in History from Stanford University; this background, coupled with his extensive musical training, provided him with the expertise he needed to write “Mariachi for Gringos.”

His diverse background, prior to his recent career as teacher/author/lecturer, included stints as co-founder of a publicly traded (NASDAQ) lighting company, Executive Producer of the television series, “Surf and Shore Fishing The World,” seen on both Outdoor Life Network and Fox Sports, and a head-to-head victory over Ted St. Martin, the Guinness Book of Record’s consecutive free throw champ.

His next scheduled book is an authorized biography of the Grammy Award-winning Cindy Shea titled: “Mariachi Diva: From Gringa to Grammy,” planned for a late 2011 release.

Film & Community Conversations:
Dr. Adriana Ayala
Film & Community Conversations:
Dr. Humberto Morales
Film & Community Conversations:
Reyna Grande
Music:
Maestro Andrés Cárdenes

Film & Community Conversations:
Graciela Tiscareño-Sato
Monday, June 10, 2013:
A Conversation with Author of “Latinnovating,” Graciela Tiscareño-Sato
Saturday, May 11, 2013:
A Conversation and Violin Master Class with Maestro Andrés Cárdenes
Friday, May 10, 2013:
A Conversation with National Book Critics Nominee Reyna Grande

Friday, May 3, 2013:
From the Battlefield to the Plaza
Concerts:
Dia de los Muertos Community Concert and Family Activities
Friday, September 21, 2012:
California History Walking Tours
Special Events:
Maya Calendar Revealed

Cine y Cena - Dinner and a Movie @ VivaFest!:
20th Anniversary Como Agua Para Chocolate Diner
Thursday, September 13, 2012:
The Weight of the Nation
Film & Community Conversations:
Irene Chavez
Music:
Las Cafeteras

Music:
La Misa Negra
Film & Community Conversations:
Aurora Guerrero
Dance:
Guelaguetza performers from Santa Cruz
Cine y Cena - Dinner and a Movie @ VivaFest!:
20th Anniversary Like Water for Chocolate

Saturday, September 15, 2012:
The Renaissance of Mata Ortiz
VivaFest! Film Series @ theTech Museum IMAX Theatre:
Mosquita y Mari
Monday, September 10, 2012:
Mexican Movie Night (In Spanish)
Film & Community Conversations:
Isaac Artenstein

VivaFest! Film Series @ theTech Museum IMAX Theatre:
Tijuana Jews
Film & Community Conversations:
Rick Najera
Saturday, September 8, 2012:
Taco Shop w/ Rick Najera
Concerts:
Domingo Gigante: A Night Of Stars

Music:
Los Texmaniacs
Music:
Trio Ellas
Music:
Paquita la Del Barrio
Music:
Ozomatli

Music:
Lila Downs
Music:
Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan
Music:
Ronstadt Generations
Film & Community Conversations:
Ruben Navarette

Film & Community Conversations:
Javier Sicilia
Special Events:
VivaFest 2012 Spring Events – Conversations with Javier Sicilia Ruben Martinez and Ruben Navarrette
Concerts:
VivaFest 2012 Spring Events – An Evening of Comedy!
Dance:
Calpulli Tonalehqueh