Mariachi 101

September 21st, 2011
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

New to Mariachi? Find out what the excitement is all about from Gil Sperry, the author of “Mariachi For Gringos.”

Martin Luther King Library
150 East San Fernando Street, San José, CA 95112

This interactive presentation has been specifically designed to inform, educate, and entertain:
all those who love music
all those who are musicians
all those who know…or are related to …musicians
all those who consider themselves mariachi aficionados
all those who know little…or nothing…about mariachi

After a brief look at how …and where… mariachi is becoming mainstreamed in schools, colleges/universities, public libraries, performance venues, etc., the author will explain: why he is so passionate about the music; the actual derivation of the term “gringo”; and the true & original meaning of the term: “mariachi.”

The fast-paced multi-media event will also include:
Sunset Magazine’s New Essential #7
mariachi as “a Powerful Teaching Tool for Second Language Learners”
an inside look at the instruments that make up the mariachi ensemble and what each is contributing to the performance
the significance of the evolution of what the musicians wear
a mariachi pop quiz
the history of the genre, from the past… Hernan Cortez’ initial landing, circa
1519… to the present…with Felipe Calderon serving as President of Mexico
FAQs and mariachi protocol, courtesy of Laura Sobrino, musical director of “Mujer 2000″
the fifty most requested mariachi selections…including audio (CD) and visual (archival DVD footage) performances augmented by handouts of the music and lyrics (in both Spanish and English)
fascinating anecdotes about the songs and their famous composers
the author’s NPR ‘face off’ on “Hear On Earth” with a Texas authority over “The Five Best Mariachi Performances Of All Time” (including his surprising selections)
a selected Playlist

PLUS:
How Understanding The Lyrics Makes All The Difference
The Song That Started It All
Baile Folklorico: The Original Focus of Mariachi
Canciones de Mi Padre

and…in conclusion…
Mariachi’s Moment Has Arrived

The presentation will be followed by a Q and A session and Book Signing.